After returning to private practice for five years, McCrary was appointed Secretary of State of Florida by Askew in July 1978 to finish the unexpired term of Bruce Smathers, who had resigned to run for governor.
After returning to private practice for five years, McCrary was appointed in 1977 to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission by Askew. The following year, Askew appointed him Secretary of State of Florida to finish the unexpired term of Bruce Smathers, who had resigned to run for governor.