On Thursday, the North Carolina Senate unanimously confirmed James Trogdon as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Erik Hooks as Secretary of the Department of Public Safety.

“Leading the agencies responsible for keeping North Carolinians safe and building the roads and bridges needed to connect them to their jobs and families are critically important roles,” said Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). “I appreciate Secretary Hooks and Secretary Trogdon for committing to serve our state honorably, and for participating in this confirmation process.”

On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce and Nominations committees unanimously voted to recommend confirmation of both officials following a thorough and transparent hearing process where senators evaluated their qualifications, possible conflicts of interest and willingness to follow the law.

Nominations Committee Co-Chairman Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick) praised the nominees’ willingness to come before the Senate, saying the process “…proves that we are truly trying to be more transparent than we have ever been, and that we are letting the people of North Carolina learn about and hear from people that they normally do not hear from or know very little about… and I am very proud of both of these individuals.”