John,

I’m proud to have been born and raised in a state “where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.” My life story is a testament to North Carolina’s state toast. It was a dream come true to graduate from UNC at Chapel Hill and UNC School of Law as a first generation college student from rural eastern North Carolina, and an honor of a lifetime to have been honored as a Distinguished Young Alumni and Outstanding Recent Graduate respectively.

With lux, libertas – light and liberty – as a founding principle, UNC and the entire UNC System have charted a path affording people like myself an opportunity to receive a quality and life changing education. 

I know first-hand that education is the great equalizer, and so does fellow double Tar Heel Governor Cooper, who has spent his entire career advocating for a sound basic education for all students. 

The State Auditor’s office plays a critical role in the effectiveness and efficiency of all 16 UNC System colleges and universities and the NC School of Science and Math. When Governor Cooper asked me to step up and serve as State Auditor, I did so knowing that election season would be tough – but also knowing that I have broken glass ceilings before, and am ready to do so again, alongside everyone who knows the value of a quality education and the importance of the UNC System.

It has taken nearly 250 years for a Black woman to sit at the Council of State table, and I definitely earned it. I’m grateful for Governor Cooper's confidence, now, I’m asking for an opportunity to earn yours.

While I was busy stepping up for our state and working collaboratively with UNC system leaders, my opponent, a member of the UNC Board of Trustees, was busy making a motion to eliminate $2.3 million in funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programming for the upcoming fiscal year.

What’s the mission of UNC’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion?

I’m glad you asked. The mission is to “celebrate all members of the Carolina community, to broaden our collective understanding, and foster a sense of belonging by uplifting diverse identities, cultures, experiences, and perspectives . . . and sustain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

It’s important to have a State Auditor with integrity who is invested in the success of all of our state’s residents, not a partisan extremist with a personal agenda. This is our shot, we can win this race together. The ceiling is the roof, let’s break it!

In that spirit, please join us on August 14 in Chapel Hill with Governor Cooper for a fundraiser in support of my campaign. The event address will be shared upon RSVP.

Host Committee (in formation, there’s still time to join!)

Hon. Michael Parker | Sen. Graig Meyer | Sen. Natalie Murdock | Rep. Zack Hawkins | Hon. Theodore Nollert | John I. Wilson | Joyce Fitzpatrick | Leonard Jernigan | Brenda Pollard | Melvin Williams

I hope to see you there! Can’t attend? You can support our campaign with a contribution of any amount and by sharing this invitation with like minded friends and family.

Yours in service,

Jessica Holmes