North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is expected announce his bid for Governor, Axios reported Thursday.
His long-anticipated announcement is expected April 22 at the Alamance County Ace Speedway, a location made famous by its refusal to employ mask wearing or social distancing at races during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus prompting Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper to shut the track down. Ace Speedway subsequently sued the state in a still ongoing case.
The announcement is expected to come during a rally, which has already been posted on Robinson’s website, though it does not specify a forthcoming announcement.
Robinson would be North Carolina’s first Black Governor, if elected. But he’ll come to the race with a ton of controversy and baggage.
Robinson has a history of extremism, including homophobic and anti-transgender remarks, comments degrading women, and a statement calling climate change “junk science.”
He once said that women should not be in leadership positions and he floated conspiracy theories about the attack on Paul Pelosi, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband. He also openly questioned former First Lady Michelle Obama’s gender. Robinson has spoken out about the dangers of “critical race theory” in schools and has questioned whether history should even be taught in some grades.
Robinson is also a vocal supporter of unfettered gun access, including his service now on the National Rife Association Board.
He has filed for bankruptcy three times, and paid for a partner to have an abortion in the late 80s, according to Axios. That despite being a staunch anti-abortion leader.
Robinson has served as Lieutenant Governor since he was first elected in 2020.
Two other Republicans are rumored to also be eying runs for the Governor’s mansion to replace Cooper — former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker and State Treasurer Dale Folwell.
Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, announced his bid three months ago. He and Robinson are expected to be frontrunners for their parties’ respective nominations.
