North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has secured the Republican primary for governor, according to CBS News projections. Robinson, who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, was projected to defeat attorney Bill Graham and State Treasurer Dale Folwell in the GOP primary.
Robinson, 55, has served as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor since 2021. He gained prominence in Republican circles after delivering a viral pro-gun rights speech that helped propel him to his current position.
Robinson has also drawn attention for controversial remarks about LGBTQ+ issues. If elected, he would become North Carolina’s first Black governor.
Mark Robinson (Credits: X.com)
The gubernatorial race is expected to be closely watched and costly. Robinson will face North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein in November. CBS News projected Stein as the winner of the Democratic primary on Tuesday night.
In recent decades, Democrats have frequently won the governorship in North Carolina, but Republicans have been successful in other statewide offices and presidential elections since 2012.
Some Republicans have expressed concern that Robinson’s candidacy could be a liability in their bid to reclaim the governor’s mansion.
The state is expected to be a battleground in the 2024 election, and the governor’s race is likely to reflect broader political trends. Robinson is expected to align with the MAGA Republican playbook championed by Trump, while Stein is expected to align with President Biden.
