Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor of North Carolina is in deep trouble. Recent polls show the Republican candidate trailing Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein by a stunning 17 points—an almost unthinkable gap in a state that has long been considered a battleground.
A poll conducted by East Carolina University (ECU) Center for Survey Research shows Stein with 50% of the vote compared to Robinson’s 33%. Even with 13% of voters still undecided, Stein is the clear frontrunner. The poll surveyed 1,005 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3%.
Robinson’s campaign has taken a big hit due to a recent scandal. CNN reported that over a decade ago, Robinson participated in a pornographic website chat room. This news broke in September and has been damaging to his public image. Robinson’s support from Republican voters has dropped sharply—from 83% in August to just 63% now.
“The recent scandals surrounding Mark Robinson have had a major impact,” said Dr. Peter Francia, director of the ECU poll. “What was once a competitive race no longer is. Josh Stein is the clear and overwhelming favorite.”
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Josh Stein, on the other hand, has seen his support grow significantly. If elected, he would become the first Jewish governor of North Carolina, marking a historic moment for the state. Stein has also increased his backing among key voter groups. Support from women has jumped from 14% to 27%, while support from men rose from 4% to 9%. His campaign has been largely free of controversy, which has helped him maintain his lead.
In North Carolina, it’s not uncommon for a Democratic attorney general to become governor. Mike Easley and Roy Cooper, the current governor, both made this transition successfully. They each moved from the role of attorney general to leading the state as governor. Now, it looks like Josh Stein could follow a similar path. Like Easley and Cooper before him, Stein, who currently serves as attorney general, seems well-positioned to run for governor and possibly win. If he does, he would be the next in a line of attorney generals who reached the state’s highest office.
Unfortunately for the GOP, North Carolina has seen its fair share of scandalous candidates. Remember Governor Pat McCrory? In 2016, he signed the infamous “bathroom bill,” which caused quite a stir and probably cost him his job. Now, Robinson is in hot water too, with his wild views on abortion and LGBTQ rights scaring off voters. Even his fellow Republicans are worried he’s too cozy with Donald Trump.
Robinson’s close ties to Donald Trump might be backfiring on him. While Trump is still the king of the Republican base, his style can be more like a double-edged sword in swing states like North Carolina. It’s tough for some Republicans to win over moderate and independent voters when Trump is in the picture, and Robinson seems to be caught in that mess. North Carolina usually goes Republican in national elections but votes more sensibly for state offices.
As Robinson’s campaign struggles, Josh Stein’s lead keeps growing. With the election just weeks away, Stein seems to be on a clear path to victory. North Carolina voters are looking for a governor they can trust, and Stein’s steady, scandal-free approach is winning them over. Robinson’s drop in the polls is a warning for both him and the Republican Party. If the GOP continues to support candidates who follow Trump’s politics and face personal scandals, they risk not only losing this election but future ones as well.
Featured image via Screengrab
