A Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina, Mark Robinson, has firmly stated that he will continue his campaign despite recent allegations stemming from a decade-old report regarding his comments on an adult website. Robinson has labeled the claims, which suggest he referred to himself as a “black Nazi,” as “salacious tabloid lies.”
Pressure is mounting from within the state’s Republican party and associates of Donald Trump, with some urging Robinson to consider stepping down from the race in this critical swing state. Notably, Trump refrained from commenting on the allegations during a recent event focused on antisemitism.
Robinson, 56, previously served as North Carolina’s first black lieutenant governor after being elected in 2020. He secured his nomination for the gubernatorial run in March, gaining Trump’s endorsement, where he was referred to as “Martin Luther King on steroids.” His campaign is particularly significant as Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris aims to flip North Carolina, a state vital for both parties in the election.
The allegations against Robinson surfaced in a report indicating his previous activity on an adult site from 2008 to 2012, where he reportedly posted comments on various topics, including those of a sexual nature. Robinson has contested these claims, asserting in a video that they do not reflect his words or beliefs. He emphasized, “We are staying in this race. We are in it to win it,” while portraying himself as a victim of political targeting by his opponent, Josh Stein.
Stein’s campaign has countered Robinson’s claims, asserting that he is not fit for governorship. Polls indicate that Stein, who is currently North Carolina’s attorney general, holds a solid lead among potential voters.
In response to the controversy, the North Carolina Republican Party defended Robinson, accusing opponents of using personal attacks to undermine him. While Trump did not directly address the unfolding situation during his speech at a recent summit, he highlighted concerns about antisemitism and the need for united support from Jewish voters.
With the deadline for withdrawals from the governor’s race having recently passed and early voting slated to begin shortly, Robinson remains undeterred amidst the challenges. Current polling suggests a nearly equal footing between candidates Harris and Trump among likely voters in North Carolina, a state that has predominantly supported Republican nominees in recent elections.
