Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s controversial lieutenant governor, is making headlines as he positions himself as the GOP frontrunner for the 2024 gubernatorial race. His rapid ascent from relative obscurity to becoming the face of conservative politics in North Carolina reflects both the strength of his base and the challenges he faces from his own party, as well as from Democrats who are eager to use his controversial past against him.
Robinson’s political career began with a viral moment in 2018 when he passionately defended gun rights at a Greensboro City Council meeting. His speech, viewed by many as a rallying cry for conservative values, quickly gained traction and set him on a fast track to political success. Just two years later, he was elected lieutenant governor of North Carolina, making him the first African American Republican to hold statewide office in the state. This was a significant achievement, especially in a swing state where political control teeters between Democrats and Republicans (The 19th) (POLITICO).
Now, in the 2024 race for governor, Robinson is poised to face Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, a well-established figure in state politics. The contest is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested and expensive gubernatorial races in the country, with North Carolina’s status as a key battleground state intensifying the stakes. Early polling suggests a close race, with Stein and Robinson running neck and neck in hypothetical matchups (Spectrum News).
However, Robinson’s path to the governor’s mansion is far from smooth. His campaign has been rocked by a series of controversies, including past comments that critics have labeled as inflammatory and divisive. His positions on issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of women in leadership have drawn widespread attention, particularly in a state that has seen major political shifts in recent years. In 2019, Robinson posted on Facebook that abortion was tantamount to “murder” and referred to the LGBTQ+ community as “filth,” comments that Democrats are likely to weaponize during the campaign (Spectrum News) (POLITICO).
Further complicating his campaign is a defamation lawsuit Robinson filed against CNN in October 2024. The network published a report accusing him of engaging with explicit content on a pornographic website years ago, a claim Robinson has vehemently denied. He argues that the report is a deliberate attempt to smear his reputation, calling it part of a broader effort by the media to discredit conservative candidates. The lawsuit has added another layer of drama to an already turbulent race (The 19th) (POLITICO).
Robinson’s populist, outsider persona has drawn inevitable comparisons to former President Donald Trump. Much like Trump, Robinson has galvanized a passionate base within the Republican Party, gaining endorsements from prominent GOP figures like Sen. Ted Budd. His fiery rhetoric and unapologetic stance on hot-button cultural issues have endeared him to conservative voters, particularly in rural areas of North Carolina. However, some Republicans, including figures like State Senator Thom Tillis, have expressed concerns about his electability in a general election. They worry that his past statements and social media activity could alienate moderate voters, potentially jeopardizing the GOP’s chances of consolidating power in the state (Spectrum News) (POLITICO).
Despite these concerns, Robinson remains undeterred. He has positioned himself as a champion of conservative values, railing against what he perceives as liberal overreach in areas like education and government regulation. His speeches frequently focus on issues like protecting Second Amendment rights, opposing abortion, and pushing back against policies that promote gender inclusivity. These themes have resonated with a segment of the electorate that feels sidelined by mainstream political discourse (Spectrum News).
The 2024 gubernatorial election is not just a test for Robinson, but for the broader political landscape in North Carolina. The state has been a key battleground in presidential elections, and control of the governorship could have significant implications for national politics. For Democrats, winning the governor’s seat would be crucial in countering the Republican-controlled legislature, which has been pushing for more conservative policies on everything from voting rights to abortion. For Republicans, a Robinson victory would mean consolidating control over all three branches of government in a state that many had once viewed as a potential Democratic stronghold(POLITICO).
As Robinson’s campaign continues to unfold, both his supporters and detractors will be watching closely. The outcome of the race could not only shape the future of North Carolina but also send ripples through the national political landscape in what promises to be a defining moment for the state and its voters.
