Embattled North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is significantly trailing in the race for the state’s gubernatorial seat, according to recent polling data. A new poll conducted by High Point University shows that Robinson is behind his opponent, Josh Stein, the North Carolina Attorney General, by a substantial 17-point margin. Stein currently enjoys the support of 51 percent of voters, compared to Robinson’s 34 percent.
Robinson’s challenges are further compounded by the results of two other polls released in the past week. The Washington Post poll indicates that Stein leads with 54 percent to Robinson’s 38 percent, while the East Carolina University poll shows a 50 percent to 33 percent advantage for the Democratic candidate.
The embattled Republican candidate has been mired in controversy following a CNN investigation that accused him of making racist and sexual comments on a website called Nude Africa. The investigation alleged that Robinson was linked to the comments through an email address and screen name, where he described disturbing and offensive remarks about race and sexual behaviour.
Despite denying making the comments and hiring a law firm to investigate the matter, Robinson has faced a backlash from within his own party. Former President Donald Trump, who had previously supported Robinson, has distanced himself from the scandal and refrained from endorsing Robinson’s campaign. Additionally, a dozen of Robinson’s staff members have resigned in the aftermath of the report.
When questioned about the scandal during the campaign, JD Vance, Ohio senator and Trump’s running mate, struggled to provide a definitive response on whether he believed Robinson’s denial. Vance emphasised the importance of allowing the public to weigh in on such allegations and indicated that there were no immediate plans for him or Trump to campaign alongside Robinson.
As the gubernatorial race in North Carolina unfolds, Robinson finds himself facing a significant deficit in the polls and grappling with the fallout from the damaging revelations. With his opponent maintaining a strong lead, Robinson’s path to victory appears increasingly challenging as voters prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming election.