Boliek Sworn In as North Carolina State Auditor
Dave Boliek took the oath of office and announced an audit of the Department of Motor Vehicles as his first project.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Government
Live Poll
Do you think North Carolina's DMV is getting better or worse for residents?
Dave Boliek was sworn in as North Carolina state auditor on Wednesday, succeeding Jessica Holmes, who was appointed in December 2022 after former auditor Beth Wood resigned. Boliek won the November election with 49.46% of the vote, after winning the May Republican runoff with 53% against Jack Clark.
Why it matters
Boliek's first project targets the state's Department of Motor Vehicles, which he said has not been addressed in many years. The audit signals how the auditor's office will approach state agency oversight in the coming term.
Boliek received 2.7 million votes in the November election, compared with 2.6 million for Holmes, and won 49.46% of the total vote. The DMV audit's scope, timeline, and findings have not yet been released.
The players
Dave Boliek
Dave Boliek is the North Carolina state auditor, responsible for overseeing the financial operations and efficiency of state government agencies.
Josh Stein
Josh Stein is the Governor of North Carolina, who issued executive orders on temporary housing and procurement waivers in western North Carolina.
Jessica Holmes
Jessica Holmes is a former North Carolina state auditor who was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in December 2022 and later lost the 2026 general election to Boliek.
The details
Boliek's office will conduct a comprehensive financial and economic efficiency audit of the DMV, and the auditor's office will instruct staff to account for every dollar spent under Governor Josh Stein's first two executive orders issued Thursday. Auditor teams will also be sent into western North Carolina to assess disaster relief spending, with recommendations going to the legislature and the governor's office.
Timeline
Wednesday: Boliek sworn in as North Carolina state auditor.
Thursday: Governor Josh Stein issues his first two executive orders, both receiving Council of State concurrence.
December 2022: Governor Roy Cooper appoints Jessica Holmes as auditor after Beth Wood resigns.
May: Boliek wins the Republican runoff against Jack Clark with 53% of the vote.
November: Boliek wins the general election against Holmes.
Political Context
Boliek's election replaces Jessica Holmes, whom Governor Roy Cooper appointed in December 2022 after Beth Wood resigned, marking the transition from appointment to elected leadership in the office. His early focus on the DMV reflects the auditor's role in scrutinizing state agencies that opponents may view as less central than other fiscal priorities.
The DMV audit could lead to recommendations affecting how North Carolina drivers interact with state motor vehicle services. Auditor teams assessing disaster relief spending in western North Carolina may influence how relief funds are tracked and reported to residents in that region.
The takeaway
Boliek's first project signals that the state auditor's office will focus on accountability for everyday government services, not only large budget lines. Residents who use DMV services or rely on disaster relief should watch for the audit's findings and recommendations.
Further reading
Explore more North Carolina government coverage for context on the state auditor's office and its oversight role.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carolina Coast Online.
Live Poll
Do you think North Carolina's DMV is getting better or worse for residents?
