Republican Mark Robinson’s bid for the governorship in North Carolina is facing an uphill battle, as Democrat Josh Stein holds a significant edge in recent polling.
According to an Emerson College survey, Stein, currently serving as the state’s attorney general, boasts a 13-point lead—51% of respondents favor Stein compared to Robinson’s 39%. The poll sampled 950 likely voters from October 21 to 22 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
Another poll from Marist College reports an even wider gap, with Stein ahead by 14 points, showing 55% support to Robinson’s 41%. This survey involved 1,226 likely voters and was conducted between October 17 and 22, carrying a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
Robinson has continuously lagged behind Stein, with the gap widening following a CNN report that accused him of posting racist and inflammatory remarks on a pornography message board over a decade ago.
The September report highlighted troubling statements attributed to Robinson, including derogatory comments about the late Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and a self-identification as a “Black NAZI.” Despite the controversy, Robinson claims the posts are not his and has resisted calls to withdraw from the race, even suing CNN for defamation.
Former President Donald Trump had previously endorsed Robinson, calling him “Martin Luther King on steroids.” However, concern over the scandal’s impact on Trump’s own standing in North Carolina has led the campaign to distance itself from Robinson. Trump narrowly won the state in the 2020 election and looks to maintain a lead against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
Notably, Trump has not campaigned with Robinson since mid-August and, during a recent event, he downplayed his knowledge of the current gubernatorial race, stating, “I’m not familiar with the state of the race right now. I haven’t seen it.”