Ryan Peterman

Peterman grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.[4] He served 10 years as a Navy helicopter pilot, and he says he led sailors overseas during more than a decade as a naval officer.[2][4]

He later worked at the Naval Academy as an honor education officer, helping develop future officers.[2][4] He also spent a year as a legislative fellow for U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and he says he worked on defense policy in the Senate.[2][4]

Peterman announced in May 2025 that he would run for secretary of state.[4] He advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary and faces Republican incumbent Paul Pate in the November 3 general election.[1] He says he has met with county auditors in small towns and big cities across the state and wants to be a partner they can trust.[2]