Overview
- Boliek’s office said the change was tied to reportable contributions, and earlier reporting noted he asked Rucho to step down after a potential statutory violation was identified.
- Public records show Rucho donated $259 to Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell in October and $1,000 to Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown in January; Brown returned the contribution.
- North Carolina law bars State Board of Elections members from making reportable donations to covered candidates and from public statements supporting or opposing clearly identified candidates.
- Rucho also posted on Dec. 30 defending Senate leader Phil Berger and criticizing challenger Sam Page, conduct restricted by the same statute.
- The Berger–Page Republican primary remains under canvass with Page unofficially ahead by two votes, the Page campaign has sought Boliek’s recusal, and any recount would be determined after county certification scheduled for March 13.