Three candidate running for North Carolina Auditor in November general election

Three candidates are running in the general election for North Carolina Auditor on Nov. 5, 2024: incumbent Jessica Holmes (D), Dave Boliek (R), and Bob Drach (L).

The North Carolina auditor is the head of the Office of the State Auditor and a member of the Council of State. The auditor’s office examines all facets of state government for the misuse of tax dollars through a variety of means including financial statement audits, performance audits, investigative reports, and information technology audits. The office also conducts special studies as requested by the general assembly.

Jessica Holmes assumed office in 2023 after Gov. Roy Cooper (D) appointed her to replace Beth Wood (D) following Wood’s resignation. This means that while Holmes is an incumbent, 2024 is the first year she is running for auditor. Democrats have controlled the office of North Carolina Auditor since 2009 following Beth Wood’s (D) 2008 general election victory over then-incumbent Leslie Merritt (R). While Republicans control both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, Democrats have a Democratic triplex, meaning Democrats control the offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.

Holmes received a bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of North Carolina. Holmes worked as an attorney for the North Carolina Association of Educators and a lecturer at North Carolina State University. Holmes was deputy commissioner for the North Carolina Industrial Commission from 2021-2023. Holmes’ campaign website says she will continue focusing on holding government agencies accountable, leading with integrity, and ensuring government transparency through auditing.

Dave Boliek received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and a master’s degree and J.D. from Campbell University. Boliek was a field director for the Healthcare Leadership Council, an assistant district attorney for North Carolina, and attorney for Williford, Crenshaw, Boliek and Frangakis, LLP. Boliek has served on the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees since 2019. Boliek completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. In it, he says he believes he has organizational leadership experience that would benefit him as auditor and that he would implement conservative policies.

Bob Drach received a bachelor’s degree from William & Mary and a master’s degree from Stanford University. Drach worked as a science teacher, senior consultant and manager at Deloitte, president of HMF Express, and chief information officer at Senneca Holdings. Drach completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. In it, he says, “I am the independent, qualified, and scrupulous choice for North Carolina State Auditor. I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican and can therefore best protect the interests of all North Carolina citizens. As the State Auditor, I will focus on retaining the excellent audit staff, recruiting additional talent, continuing key investigations, and keeping technology current.”