Melvin D. Synhorst (January 21, 1914 – March 28, 1999) was the Iowa Secretary of State from 1949 to 1965 and from 1967 to 1980. Elected on November 2, 1948, and on November 8, 1966, he was a native of Sioux County. Serving for the two years between his terms was Gary L. Cameron. Synhorst's second term ended at his resignation; he was replaced by Mary Jane Odell.[1] From 1959 to 1960, Synhorst was the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State.[2]