Wayne Goodwin

Background

About Wayne Goodwin

I’ve worn many hats over the years. If there’s a common thread among those hats, it is my passion for public service, protecting the public, seeking justice, and fighting for a better life for everyone. As a lawyer, I’ve fought for individuals and families and small businesses and a non-profit domestic violence shelter to have remedies in their battles against those who have wronged them, including monolithic insurance companies and non-empathetic corporations who have broken the law or been reckless or negligent. Along the way, when I was NC Insurance Commissioner, I saved NC consumers >$2.4 BILLION & by my order (in the aggregate) consumers received $206 MILLION in actual $ in their pocketbooks; ordered lowest average auto insurance premiums in USA on my watch; rejected massive homeowners increase 100%; and was the only candidate for the office fighting to protect pre-ex conditions & to enact occupational cancer coverage + higher pay for firefighters. As a state legislator I championed legislation to help promote investments in public education, rural economic development, public safety, good government, access to the courts, and public health. During my past service as Chairman of the NC Democratic Party I advocated for candidates who reflected the diverse tapestry that is North Carolina, and for policies that promote opportunities, justice, and equality for all. Further, I traversed the state time and time again, meeting with parents and young folks, entrepreneurs and small business leaders, firefighters and rank and file workers, and local and state leaders, all for the mission of empowering more of my fellow citizens. As a teacher I’ve enjoyed helping students of all ages learn about American government, law, justice, and political science — and the civic responsibilities we all share as citizens. And in one of my favorite jobs, as State Fire Marshal, I was the state’s Fire chief and a strong advocate for all of our Tar Heel fire departments and fire chiefs, especially our rank-and-file firefighters. For many years I have also served as a designated expert witness on certain aspects of state insurance regulation litigation in state and federal courts. In 2022, I resumed my life of public service as the new DMV Commissioner. My primary goals included shorter lines, shorter wait times, filling vacancies, increasing DMV customer options both online and out of office, and improving customer service. In 2025 I chose to chart a new course - a new chapter - in my professional & personal lives. Well-seasoned in life, it is an exciting time!