Robinson Sparks Republican Enthusiasm at North Carolina’s GOP Convention

Before Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s GOP candidate for governor, even took the stage at the state party’s convention on Saturday, several state candidates spoke to energize the crowd in support of Robinson’s gubernatorial bid.

When the state’s lieutenant governor finally addressed the audience more than an hour and a half into the NCGOP Convention’s Old North State Dinner in Greensboro, Robinson delivered a fiery speech denouncing the media for focusing on Donald Trump’s legal matters rather than the “failures of the Democratic Party.” He outlined his vision for the state, focused on improving the economy and education.

“Trust me, there are enough talented people in this state who share our vision to make this a reality,” Robinson said in his speech, which was livestreamed by Triad television outlet WGHP.

Robinson, a 55-year-old Republican, is in a closely contested gubernatorial race against his Democratic opponent, state Attorney General Josh Stein. Known for his bold political style, Robinson has garnered support from Trump supporters and received an endorsement from the former president in March, who called him “Martin Luther King on steroids.”

Critics have also taken notice of Robinson’s rhetoric on the LGBTQ community and abortion access, raising concerns. Robinson has defended his views, stating he can separate his religious beliefs from his duties in public office and aims to make North Carolina a “destination state for life.”

During his speech, Robinson emphasized the role of Republican policies in North Carolina’s economic success and highlighted the governor’s office, under his leadership, in maintaining that success.

“North Carolina is on the verge of economic growth,” Robinson stated. “It’s time to channel that growth in the right direction and make this state even better.”

Education is another key focus for Robinson, who criticized the state’s education system as “in shambles.” He clarified that the issue does not lie with teachers, whom he compared to police officers.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum also spoke at the dinner, endorsing Robinson as the state’s future governor. He echoed sentiments from other Republican speakers at the convention, emphasizing the importance of North Carolina in the 2024 election in shaping the country’s direction.