Is 2028 Dave Boliek’s moment?

It’s early, not too early. The GOP’s governor lane is opening his way.

It’s early, but not too early, to start talking about the 2028 governor’s race. The only real name I’m hearing on the Republican side is Dave Boliek.

Eight months in as state auditor, Boliek has been a dynamo. The “sleeping giant is waking up” indeed, with rapid-fire audits and a 435-page DMV report to prove it. His relationship with the General Assembly is unusually strong, too, judging by the DAVE Act and the added tools they’ve handed his office.

The ingredients are there for a strong gubernatorial candidate. But will 2028 be the right time?

I wrote a few months ago that the party should think twice before rushing Boliek into a governor’s race. After all, Gov. Josh Stein is going to be a buzzsaw in his re-elect bid. Incumbency, fundraising, and a party built for executive races make him tough to beat.

I still believe you need eight years in an office, not just four, to really change it. And you’re stronger running for higher office after you’ve defended your record and won re-election…