North Carolina Auditor election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

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← 2020
North Carolina State Auditor
Election details
Filing deadline: December 15, 2023
Primary: March 5, 2024 Primary runoff: May 14, 2024 General: November 5, 2024 Pre-election incumbent(s): Jessica Holmes (D)
How to vote
Poll times: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voting in North Carolina
Ballotpedia analysis
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Jack Clark (R) and Dave Boliek (R) were the top two finishers among the six candidates in the Republican primary for North Carolina Auditor on March 5, 2024 and advanced to a runoff on May 14, 2024. North Carolina law permitted the runner-up to request a runoff if the top finisher received less than 30% of the vote. Three candidates led in fundraising ahead of the primary: Boliek, Charles Dingee (R), and Jeff Tarte (R).

Boliek was, at the time of the election, an attorney and member of the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill Board of Trustees. Boliek said his experience managing the university's investments and as a prosecuting attorney made him the best-qualified candidate to serve as state auditor.

Clark was, at the time of the election, a staffer working on budget policy in the General Assembly. Clark was a former auditor in the private sector. Clark said he was the most qualified candidate because he was "the only candidate with a Masters in Accounting, a CPA, and recent audit experience."

Dingee was, at the time of the election, a small business owner. Dingee had served as Congressional District 13 chairman for the state Republican Party and as 1st vice-chairman of the Wake County GOP. Dingee said he was running to promote fiscal responsibility and transparency. Dingee said he would audit the state board of elections for the first time in more than a decade to establish whether voters remained registered after their deaths.

Tarte was an attorney and former state senator who ran on his public and private sector experience. Tarte said he chaired the committee responsible for oversight of the auditor's office and drafted a bill that required independent financial audits for the state government's largest departments. Tarte said he would implement AI-based software to track and identify fraud.

Also running in the primary were Jim Kee (R) and Anthony Wayne Street (R).

In North Carolina, a runner-up can request a runoff election if the winner does not take 30% of the vote, but a runoff is not required.

The winner of the Republican primary faced incumbent Jessica Holmes (D) and Bob Drach (L) in the general election. The last Republican elected as North Carolina Auditor was Leslie Merritt (R) in 2004.

Dave Boliek (R), Jack Clark (R), Charles Dingee (R), and Jim Kee (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.

This page covers the Republican primary for North Carolina Auditor. Click here for more on the general election.

Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Republican primary for North Carolina State Auditor

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for North Carolina State Auditor on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jack Clark	23.2	198,793
✔		Dave Boliek	22.1	189,071
		Charles Dingee	18.6	159,351
		Jeff Tarte	15.0	127,981
		Anthony Wayne Street	11.2	95,863
		Jim Kee	9.9	84,302

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 855,361
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• James Upchurch (R)

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Dave Boliek

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Conservative attorney who has a BA in Journalism from UNC-CH, Law Degree and MBA from Campbell University. Husband, father, Christian who has spent last several years as Chair of the Board of Trustees at UNC-CH focusing on budgeting and accountability."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Respected Leader

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Experience

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Conservative

This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina State Auditor in 2024.

Jack Clark

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a CPA and former auditor now working on budget policy for the North Carolina General Assembly. I began my career in public accounting performing external audits, and then I joined a private company as an internal auditor."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I will bring integrity back to the Auditor's office.

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I have the necessary skills and experience needed for this role.

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The Auditor's office is a resource to help agencies and local municipalities run their financial processes better.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina State Auditor in 2024.

Charles Dingee

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a small business owner, fiscal conservative, and grassroots activist. I am a husband, father, catholic and I look forward to earning your vote."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Election Integrity. We need to use the Auditor's office to ensure we have secure elections.

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Government transparency. This office is designed to hold government accountable and make sure its being transparent about what is happening with your money.

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Efficiency. When we think of the government efficiency is not something that comes to mind. I want to use the Auditors office to help change that.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina State Auditor in 2024.

Jim Kee

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a native of North Carolina. I am the only candidate that has Federal Auditing Experience. I was a federal auditor for the US Treasury Department, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. I am a former two term city councilman in Greensboro, NC. I am currently a developer and a farmer in Greensboro. "

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I will verify the financial and operational viability and integrity of all NC governmental agencies to ensure compliance with NC law and regulations

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I will offer technical assistance to any agency that wants to improve their financial management.

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I will hold any agency that willfully breaks the law to the highest degree of the law.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina State Auditor in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in North Carolina

Election information in North Carolina: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 2, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 11, 2024
• Online: Oct. 11, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

Yes

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 29, 2024
• By mail: Received by Oct. 29, 2024
• Online: Oct. 29, 2024

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 17, 2024 to Nov. 2, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (EST)

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Dave Boliek (R)

Respected Leader

Experience

Conservative

Jack Clark (R)

I will bring integrity back to the Auditor's office.

I have the necessary skills and experience needed for this role.

The Auditor's office is a resource to help agencies and local municipalities run their financial processes better.

Charles Dingee (R)

Election Integrity. We need to use the Auditor's office to ensure we have secure elections.

Government transparency. This office is designed to hold government accountable and make sure its being transparent about what is happening with your money.

Efficiency. When we think of the government efficiency is not something that comes to mind. I want to use the Auditors office to help change that.

Jim Kee (R)

I will verify the financial and operational viability and integrity of all NC governmental agencies to ensure compliance with NC law and regulations

I will offer technical assistance to any agency that wants to improve their financial management.

I will hold any agency that willfully breaks the law to the highest degree of the law.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dave Boliek (R)

Looking after taxpayer dollars and making government work for the citizens of North Carolina.

Jack Clark (R)

I want North Carolina to be the best run state in the country. My passion is serving the people of NC by ensuring their tax dollars are being used efficiently and effectively.

Charles Dingee (R)

Ensuring that government is spending taxpayer money correctly.

Jim Kee (R)

Economic Development

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Dave Boliek (R)

The NC Auditor's office is responsible for holding agencies, organizations and institutions who receive or hold state funds accountable both financially and with respect to efficient use of resources.

Jack Clark (R)

This office is a line of defense for taxpayer money. Everyone needs to have a system of accountability, and this office provides that.

Charles Dingee (R)

The state Auditor’s office is one which can provide transparency for where tax payer money is going. Currently it’s hard for folks to find exactly how their money is being spent in government. This office is a means by which to make that easier.

Jim Kee (R)

The verification and regulation off taxpayer dollars.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Dave Boliek (R)

Former N.C. Governor Jim Martin because he achieved conservative governance working with a variety of different people in government.

Jack Clark (R)

My childhood celebrity hero is Cal Ripken Jr. In an era where the integrity of baseball had taken a major hit, his integrity, joy for the game, treatment of fans, and of course consistency, brought the MLB out of its slump. I want to have the same qualities to restore the integrity of North Carolina politics.

Jim Kee (R)

Presidents Lincoln and Regan. Conservative principals to govern by.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Dave Boliek (R)

An American Life, the Autobiography of Ronald Reagan.

Jim Kee (R)

Prelude to Greatness.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Dave Boliek (R)

Experience leading an organization. Relevant skills to evaluate the effectiveness of the State Auditor's Office.

Jack Clark (R)

Integrity first and foremost. Without integrity, no one trusts your work. If no one trusts your work, that work is worthless. Integrity shows up differently in audit than in business or law. You need things like independence, professional skepticism, and to remain free of bias.

Jim Kee (R)

Honesty, transparency and a great work ethic that includes vision.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Dave Boliek (R)

As an Eagle Scout, I have strived to live by the Scout Law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent

Jack Clark (R)

Passion. Integrity. Experience.

Jim Kee (R)

Honesty, Integrity and vision.A great public serant

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Dave Boliek (R)

Leading a highly effective team to accomplish work on behalf of the taxpayers. Implementing a strategic plan to achieve accountability for the spending of taxpayer dollars.

Jack Clark (R)

The core responsibility is to find the objective truth. Whoever is elected to this office must provide the proper "tone at the top" to inspire the auditors working under them to approach every audit with the right mindset.

Charles Dingee (R)

Getting back to the people. I plan to visit at least 30 counties a year once elected to get back to folks to let them know what is going on. More importantly I want people to know that I am available and that I want to hear their concerns. Often people get elected and you never hear from them till they need you vote again. That’s not what I will do. I want to be accessible to the public so if they have an issue, they know who I am and how to contact me.

Jim Kee (R)

To account and regulate taxpayer money through accurate and consistent audits.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Dave Boliek (R)

Loyal husband, father, friend and a servant of Jesus Christ.

Jack Clark (R)

I want to make NC the best run state in the country by setting up everywhere I audit with the processes and tools to prevent fraud and waste in the future. I also want to modernize the audit department, and as the youngest candidate I am agile enough to adjust to the changing world of audit.

Jim Kee (R)

A great public servant.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Dave Boliek (R)

Watergate, President Nixon resigning.

Jack Clark (R)

9/11 when I was 9. My dad worked across the street from the White House and had to walk to my school miles away to pick me up.

Charles Dingee (R)

9/11 I was eleven.

Jim Kee (R)

The appointment of supreme court justice Sandra Day O'Connor. 21 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Dave Boliek (R)

Newspaper Reporter at the Thomasville Times in Thomasville, N.C. Had the job for a year and a half before moving on

Jim Kee (R)

Working on my grandfather's farm. 14 years.The appointment

What is your favorite book? Why?

Dave Boliek (R)

1776 by David McCullough because it documents the extraordinary actions of everyday people to establish our great nation.

Jack Clark (R)

The Reason for God by Tim Keller. He understands the other side of his argument and makes arguments based on their perspective.

Jim Kee (R)

The Bible. It gives me direction to live by.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Jim Kee (R)

Superman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Jim Kee (R)

Thank you Jesus.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Dave Boliek (R)

Balancing work, family and my faith-life.

Jim Kee (R)

Dealing with politicians.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Dave Boliek (R)

Effective and Experienced Leadership. Accountability. Professionalism.

Jack Clark (R)

This office needs to find the objective truth of what is happening with your tax dollars. There’s no room for bias, personal agendas, or special interests.

Charles Dingee (R)

Transparency and accountability for what the government is doing with your money.

Jim Kee (R)

Conducting frequent and accurate audits.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Dave Boliek (R)

Ability to work with agencies, organizations and institutions to implement best practices with respect to financial matters as well as implementation of best practices for operational success.

Charles Dingee (R)

Yes this office has subpoena power.

Jim Kee (R)

The auditors office has subpoena power.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Dave Boliek (R)

Yes. It is beneficial for holders of this office to have experience working within institutions and with organizations that receive state funding.

Jack Clark (R)

This office rarely has people who’ve held major prior offices. It’s not necessary based on the nature of the role. It also could be a hindrance to performing the role if someone has an agenda or personal vendettas.

Charles Dingee (R)

Grassroots politics yes, but we don't need more governments officials that are just going to be part of the good old boy network. We need an outsider who will not be beholden to government interests. We need someone who will take a business first approach to this role to ensure 100% transparency of what the government is doing with your money.

Jim Kee (R)

Absolutely! The auditor needs to know how municipal and county government works.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Dave Boliek (R)

Experience leading a high-profile organization is helpful because the holder of the office is prepared to deal with hot-button issues that inevitably arise.

Jack Clark (R)

Holders of this office MUST have audit experience. The department performs audits and issues audit reports. Without training and background in the field, the officeholder won't understand what is being reported. Knowledge of the NC budget is also helpful, and as a Research Assistant to a budget chair, I have that experience as well.

Jim Kee (R)

Auditing experience.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Jim Kee (R)

The goat got his tail cut off in the barn door. He said, it won't be long now.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Dave Boliek (R)

Speaker of the N.C. House Tim Moore

Jack Clark (R)

Rep. Kyle Hall - NC Appropriations Committee Co-Chair

Jim Kee (R)

none

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Jim Kee (R)

Financial transparency and government accountable are the most important factors in governmental operations.

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2012.

2020

See also: North Carolina Auditor election, 2020

General election candidates

• Beth Wood  (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
• Anthony Wayne Street  (Republican Party) 

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= candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey
 Democratic primary candidates

• Beth Wood (Incumbent) ✔
• Luis Toledo 

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= candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey
 Republican primary candidates

• Tim Hoegemeyer 
• Anthony Wayne Street ✔ 

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= candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

2016

In 2016, the auditor received a salary of $125,676, according to the Council of State Governments.

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• North Carolina auditor official website

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