Gubernatorial Race in North Carolina: Mark Robinson Under Pressure to Withdraw

Republican Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, Mark Robinson, is facing mounting pressure from his own party to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. On Thursday, sources informed WRAL News that numerous Republican figures are urging Robinson to step aside due to his trailing position in the polls and looming controversies.

Mike Lonergan, Robinson’s campaign spokesperson, dismissed any rumors of withdrawal as “absolute fiction.” However, escalating reports indicate that Robinson is under scrutiny following allegations of antisemitic and inappropriate remarks, which CNN plans to address in an upcoming story. Scott Lassiter, a Republican Senate candidate, has openly suggested Robinson should suspend his campaign for the welfare of the state and party.

Robinson’s campaign has been fraught with challenges, including scandals and divisive comments about various communities. Despite maintaining strong support among certain GOP voters—evidenced by his decisive primary win—these issues have raised doubts about his viability in the general election. Recent cancellations of campaign events, like those in Henderson and Norlina, have further fueled speculation about his campaign’s stability.

According to a WRAL News Poll conducted with 676 likely voters in September, Democratic candidate Josh Stein leads Robinson by a significant margin of 51% to 37%, with 11% of voters still undecided. The poll’s findings highlight a broadening gap from previous months and could potentially affect Republican prospects in the state, including those of former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

North Carolina’s political landscape appears increasingly challenging for Republicans, as internal pressures and upcoming negative media reports threaten their gubernatorial ambitions. The GOP’s uncertainty over Robinson’s position in the race may also impact down-ballot election outcomes as the November elections approach.