RALEIGH, N.C. — Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina, announced on Tuesday that his campaign has engaged a law firm to investigate a CNN report alleging that he made inappropriate racial and sexual comments on a pornography website. Robinson is seeking to understand the origins of what he describes as “false smears.”
The revelation comes as some North Carolina Republicans expressed concern over the report, suggesting that if Robinson cannot promptly refute the allegations, the party should redirect its focus to other competitive races within the state. Some members of the GOP have already distanced themselves from Robinson, who currently serves as lieutenant governor. The Republican Governors Association announced on Monday it would cease support for Robinson, despite having invested millions in his campaign against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, who is currently leading in the polls. Following the allegations, many of Robinson’s top campaign staffers have resigned.
GOP officials worry that the controversy surrounding Robinson could adversely impact Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and assist Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the critical battleground state, potentially affecting other important races as well. Hal Weatherman, a candidate for lieutenant governor who received Robinson’s endorsement, urged Robinson to quickly and conclusively disprove the claims. Weatherman believes that if Robinson can demonstrate the allegations are false, he could win the election decisively, but failing to do so could lead to his defeat, given the disturbing nature of the comments attributed to him.
Robinson, who is considered a strong candidate among conservatives in the state and could become North Carolina’s first Black governor, has denied making the messages attributed to him over a decade ago, well before his political career. In a recent statement, he expressed confidence in the Binnall Law Group from Virginia, asserting that they would thoroughly investigate and seek accountability from CNN for what he calls lies. Notably, firm partner Jesse Binnall has been involved in legal cases for Trump.
CNN’s investigation revealed posts it claims were made by Robinson on a pornographic site, including references to himself as a “black NAZI,” comments in favor of transgender pornography, and derogatory remarks about historical figures. Robinson has a history of controversial comments on various social issues that his opponent, Stein, has used to challenge him throughout the campaign.
CNN has not yet commented on the latest developments. In the wake of the allegations, Robinson stated that he would aggressively pursue legal action against CNN, yet he has not provided counter-evidence to the allegations made in the report.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has previously endorsed a rival candidate in the gubernatorial primary and has raised questions regarding Robinson’s qualifications. He suggested that Robinson should present evidence of his defense by Friday, or the party may need to consider moving forward without him.
Robinson received an endorsement from Trump prior to the primary and has made appearances at Trump’s rallies in North Carolina. However, he was not mentioned by Trump during a recent rally in Wilmington. Trump is set to participate in another event in North Carolina on Wednesday.
Campaign spending data reveals that the Republican Governors Association and its affiliated political action committee have already spent at least $15.9 million on advertising for the North Carolina gubernatorial race. In contrast, Stein’s campaign has outspent Robinson and his supporters significantly thus far in the general election. The deadline for any candidate to withdraw from the race was September 19.