November 2024: North Carolina voters delivered a clear message - they were ready for change.

BoE_Dem_Wins.jpg Democrats won big. Josh Stein was elected Governor, Rachel Hunt became Lieutenant Governor, and Democrats also claimed the Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Secretary of State seats.

 

Voters also broke the Republican super majority in the state House, with Democrats gaining one seat, signaling a shift in the political landscape. This shift meant that Republicans no longer had the votes to override gubernatorial vetoes without some Democratic support.

Republicans won 5 State-wide seats, including Republican Dave Boliek winning the race for State Auditor, flipping the seat from Democratic control. Boliek's victory marked the first time in over a decade that a Republican held the State Auditor's office in North Carolina. 

Republican state-wide election wins in November include:  

  • State Auditor
  • Commissioner of Agriculture 
  • Commissioner of Insurance 
  • Commissioner of Labor 
  • State Treasurer

While the North Carolina Council of State is made up of 10 elected statewide officials, not all roles carry equal authority or influence, especially when it comes to shaping policy or impacting elections.

These positions carry more weight in policy making, budgeting, or election-related decisions:

  • Governor (Josh Stein, D): Chief executive of the state. Holds veto power, appoints key officials, proposes budgets, and directs state agencies.
  • Lieutenant Governor (Rachel Hunt, D): Limited executive power, but presides over the NC Senate and often uses the platform for policy influence.
  • Attorney General (Jeff Jackson, D): Top legal officer. Handles litigation, oversees the Department of Justice, and can challenge or defend laws in court.
  • State Treasurer (Brad Briner, R): Manages the state’s pension fund and debt. Controls billions in investments and fiscal oversight.
  • State Auditor (Dave Boliek, R): Investigates the use of state funds and now — due to legislative changes — controls appointments to the State Board of Elections

Lower-Profile but specialized roles that are more narrowly focused on regulatory or administrative functions:

  • Secretary of State (Elaine Marshall, D): Handles business registrations, securities, and public records.
  • Superintendent of Public Instruction (Mo Green, D): Oversees public schools, but real authority is often shared with the State Board of Education.
  • Commissioner of Agriculture (Steve Troxler, R): Oversees farming regulations, food safety, and ag-related marketing.
  • Commissioner of Insurance (Mike Causey, R): Regulates insurance companies and fire safety codes.
  • Commissioner of Labor (Luke Farley, R): Manages workplace safety and labor law enforcement

Before these newly elected leaders could take office, the outgoing Republican-controlled General Assembly passed a surprise law. 

BoE_Timeline.jpg

December 2024: GOP Legislature Passes Law Shifting Election Board Appointments

In a lame-duck session, they stripped the governor of the power to appoint members to the State Board of Elections and handed that authority to the newly elected State Auditor—Republican Dave Boliek.

Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the bill, but because Republicans still had a supermajority at the time, they overrode the veto.

Early 2025: Legal Challenges and Court Decisions

Governor Josh Stein and former Governor Roy Cooper filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the new law, arguing it infringed upon the executive branch's authority. 

In April 2025, a trial court ruled in favor of the governors, blocking the law. However, shortly after, a three-judge panel from the North Carolina Court of Appeals allowed the law to take effect temporarily during the appeals process.

May 2025: Auditor Appoints New Elections Board

Following the appellate court's decision, State Auditor Dave Boliek appointed a new five-member State Board of Elections, consisting of three Republicans and two Democrats, shifting the board's majority. 

This composition will similarly be reflected at our local Board of Elections, with 3 Republicans and 2 Democrats. This will be the case in all 100 NC counties.
Below are the current members of the Harnett County Board of Elections. The new local boards will be sworn in on July 1, 2025.
Dan Moody (R)
Sherrill DeWayne Lee (R)
Rickie Lee Day (R)
Chair Allison Fenderson (D)
Betsy McCormick (D)
Lewis Bell (D)

Summary

  • Democrats secured key statewide offices in the 2024 elections and broke the GOP supermajority in the House.
  • Before leaving office, the GOP-led legislature passed a law shifting election board appointment powers to the state auditor.
  • Legal battles ensued, with initial victories for Democrats, but an appeals court allowed the law to take effect temporarily.
  • State Auditor Dave Boliek appointed a new Republican-majority elections board in May 2025. 

This sequence of events underscores the ongoing power struggles in North Carolina's state government and the significant impact of legislative actions taken during lame-duck sessions.

Why it matters:

  • The power to oversee elections now lies with a partisan appointee—not the governor elected by the people.
  • The new Republican-controlled board could impact how future elections are managed, certified, and contested.
  • These changes were made after voters clearly chose a new direction for North Carolina.

What you can do:

  • Pay Attention. Follow updates on the court cases and Board of Elections decisions.
  • Stay Engaged. Volunteer with local election efforts and help protect democracy at the grassroots level.
  • Speak up. Let your legislators know where you stand on voter rights and election integrity.

This is what democracy looks like. Let’s protect it—together.