North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson announced on Tuesday that his campaign has enlisted a law firm to investigate a report from CNN alleging he made explicit racial and sexual comments on a pornography website’s message board. Robinson claims these accusations are “false smears” and is seeking to trace their origin.
This development comes as increasing concerns emerge within the North Carolina Republican Party. Some party members suggest that if Robinson cannot quickly dispel the allegations, the GOP should redirect its efforts towards more competitive local races. Already, several Republicans have distanced themselves from Robinson, the current lieutenant governor. The Republican Governors Association announced on Monday that it would cease its support for Robinson, who was previously the beneficiary of substantial advertising funding from the group in his race against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, who is currently leading in polls. Additionally, many of Robinson’s top campaign aides have resigned in light of the allegations.
Republican officials worry that Robinson’s turmoil could adversely impact Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and provide an advantage to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in this critical state, potentially affecting other important races on the ballot as well.
Hal Weatherman, a candidate for lieutenant governor who received Robinson’s endorsement, urged Robinson to swiftly and decisively refute the accusations against him on social media. He emphasized that proving the allegations false could lead Robinson to a sweeping victory, while failing to counter the claims would likely result in defeat due to the disturbing nature of the comments attributed to him.
Robinson, a favored figure among the state’s conservative base, has asserted that he did not post the controversial messages, which date back more than ten years before his political career began. In a statement, he expressed confidence in the Binnall Law Group from Virginia to thoroughly investigate and take legal action against CNN for what he calls their deceitful reporting. The firm’s partner, Jesse Binnall, has previously represented Trump in legal matters.
CNN’s report revealed posts allegedly made by Robinson on the pornographic site, where he reportedly identified himself as a “black NAZI,” claimed to enjoy transgender pornography, and expressed a preference for Hitler over Barack Obama. He also reportedly made derogatory comments about the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Robinson’s history of controversial remarks on various social issues has been utilized by Stein’s campaign for an extended period.
CNN has not yet responded to requests for comment. The network stated last week that it had corroborated the identity of the account holder by comparing usernames, email addresses, and detailed biographical information consistent with Robinson’s history.
During a campaign event on Monday, Robinson pledged to take aggressive action against CNN, but he has not yet provided any evidence to counter the allegations raised in the report.
Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who has backed a rival candidate in the gubernatorial primary, questioned Robinson’s qualifications for the role. Tillis suggested that Robinson should present evidence by Friday to support his claims or the party should consider moving on.
Robinson secured Donald Trump’s endorsement before the primary and has participated in Trump’s rallies in North Carolina, but he was notably absent from a recent rally in Wilmington, where Trump did not mention him. Trump is scheduled to hold another event in North Carolina on Wednesday.
Speaking in Charlotte, Trump’s running mate JD Vance remarked that it is ultimately up to North Carolina voters to assess Robinson’s statements and determine their validity.
A spokesperson for the Republican Governors Association noted that no additional advertisements would be placed in the race following Tuesday’s developments. According to AdImpact data, the RGA and associated political action committees have spent a minimum of $15.9 million on ad campaigns in the North Carolina gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, Stein’s campaign and supportive groups have significantly outspent Robinson and his allies thus far.
The deadline for candidates in the North Carolina gubernatorial race to withdraw was September 19.