Democrat Jessica Holmes, candidate for NC auditor, answers our questions

To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.

Name: Jessica N. Holmes

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 40

Campaign website: JessicaforNC.com

Current occupation: North Carolina State Auditor

Professional experience: Current: North Carolina State Auditor | Former: Deputy Commissioner, North Carolina Industrial Commission | Wake County Board of Commissioners | Attorney | Adjunct Professor at NC State University

Education: UNC at Chapel Hill School of Law, JD | University of Sydney School of Law, Study Abroad | UNC at Chapel Hill, BA | Pender County Public Schools

Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Member: The North Carolina Local Government Commission | Raleigh Chamber of Commerce | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. | Former Chair and Vice-Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners | Former Chair, North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children | Former Member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Wake County SmartStart, Lillian’s List Foundation

What would be your top priority if elected?

The North Carolina State Auditor is the state’s independent watchdog charged with identifying fraud and wasteful government spending. My top priority is to perform impactful audits and investigations to ensure federal and state taxpayer dollars serve their intended purpose to benefit North Carolinians. For example, ensuring hurricane relief dollars get to people impacted by floods and storm damage and that seniors and people with disabilities receive the services and care they need.

What percentage raises should your state agency’s employees receive in the next state budget?

I have and will continue to advocate for raises and benefits for OSA staff and all state employees. There are direct and indirect costs to taxpayers due to high vacancy rates, currently in excess of 20% across state government. The general labor market has exceeded legislative increases by approximately 9% over the past decade — this deficit must be resolved. Bonuses are short-term solutions and do not substitute meaningful salary increases and cost of living adjustments.

Will you attend all Council of State meetings?

Yes.

How will you work with the other nine members of the council, including the governor?

In spite of the national rhetoric and current political climate, the Council of State functions well and collaboratively to fulfill our duties and responsibilities. I will continue to have a team mentality and be solutions oriented regardless of who sits next to or across the table from me. Philosophical differences of opinions are inevitable, but our collective diversity of opinions and experiences add to a healthy and inclusive discourse that improves our decision-making.

In what areas, if any, do you believe state government is wasting taxpayer money?

Pork barrel spending and special projects that do not support the core functions of government are concerning and raising alarms on both sides of the aisle. There have been increasingly substantial allocations to for-profit corporations and or nongovernmental entities outside of the typical appropriations process, some of which do not have clearly defined metrics to determine success or a tangible return on investment for tax dollars.

How would you prioritize the state programs and agencies that should be audited?

I prioritize audits and investigations around sound methodology accounting for impact on North Carolinians, risk of harm to vulnerable populations including seniors, people with disabilities, underserved communities and the kitchen table issues we all care about. The OSA touches most aspects of our daily lives from education, infrastructure, environment quality and human services. Coming from humble beginnings, it’s personal to me to ensure these services are available to those in need.

How would you work to make sure politically connected people and companies are not unfairly benefiting from state spending and contracts?

The last legislative budget includes approximately $64 million in spending for no-bid contracts. Major contract decisions should undergo a competitive bidding process to ensure we are getting the best return on investment and applicants are given fair and thoughtful consideration thereby increasing transparency and opportunities for public input and awareness. As State Auditor, I will prioritize audits and investigations of no-bid contracts and allocations to for-profit entities.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?

There is no one person or party that I am aligned with 100%. The surge in independent voter registrations across the country is indicative of the fact that many voters are breaking away from partisan allegiances and focusing on issues. I disagree with extremism and misuse of government resources on both sides of the aisle and condemn inflammatory comments made by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and the poor judgment and lack of personal accountability resulting in the resignation of former Auditor Beth Wood.

Under the Dome

Get the latest news about North Carolina politics from The News & Observer's award-winning team. Get the free digest sent to your inbox by signing up here.