Jessica Holmes (politician)

Jessica Holmes (born 1983/1984) is an American attorney and politician who has served as the 18th North Carolina State Auditor since December 16, 2023, having filled the vacancy caused by the resignation of Beth Wood.

Early life and education
Jessica Holmes grew up in Pender County, North Carolina. She was the eldest of five of her mother's children. During her early youth her mother found infrequent work at a meatpacking plant, and the family struggled with homelessness. Holmes graduated from Pender County High School in 2002. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006, and later received a Juris Doctor degree from the same school.

Political career
Holmes was sworn in to her seat on the Wake County Board of Commissioners on December 1, 2014. She was unanimously elected chair of the board on December 4, 2017. On December 6, 2017, she announced her intention to resign from the board to accept a job offer, but rescinded her announcement the following day, citing complaints from constituents.

In 2020, Holmes ran for the office of North Carolina Commissioner of Labor as a Democrat, losing to Republican Josh Dobson. In August 2021, she was appointed to the North Carolina Industrial Commission as a deputy commissioner.

In November 2023, Governor Roy Cooper announced Holmes as his pick to finish the term of State Auditor Beth Wood, who resigned, effective mid-December. Holmes was sworn in on December 16. Holmes is the first Black woman to serve on the North Carolina Council of State.

External link

 * Office of the State Auditor government website
 * Jessica Holmes for Auditor campaign website