Controversial North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson Receives Quiet Support from Koch-Backed Group Despite Multiple Scandals
The political landscape in North Carolina is heating up as the gubernatorial race intensifies, with Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson facing heavy scrutiny due to a string of controversies. Despite widespread accusations of racist and inflammatory remarks, the Koch-backed political network, Americans for Prosperity (AFP), has continued to quietly support Robinson, according to records obtained by CNBC. This unexpected backing has raised eyebrows among political observers and fueled speculation about AFP’s motivations.
Key Takeaways:
- Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the political network largely funded by billionaire Charles Koch, has been discreetly supporting North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson despite a litany of controversial remarks.
- AFP’s support, including digital advertisements, door knocking campaigns, and website promotions, has continued even after Robinson faced backlash for allegedly posting racist and offensive content on a porn forum.
- This support from AFP signifies a unique shift in the group’s strategy, as they previously declined to support Robinson during his initial run for lieutenant governor in 2018.
- The move has surprised many North Carolina Republican strategists, as Robinson’s campaign has been marred by controversy and is currently trailing Democrat Josh Stein in polls by an average of 9.5 percentage points.
AFP’s Endorsement of Robinson Raises Questions
AFP’s continued support for Robinson despite his controversial history has raised questions among political analysts and strategists. The group, known for its advocacy on issues like education freedom and limited government, has historically chosen candidates with a less controversial profile.
"We’ve seen for months this wasn’t going to be a close race, even before Labor Day," said Jonathan Bridges, a state Republican strategist who previously worked for Robinson’s primary rival. "Why would they still do anything after Labor Day? If I was in that position, I probably wouldn’t do that."
AFP’s Shifting Strategy – From Hesitancy to Support
In 2018, AFP’s North Carolina branch opted to avoid endorsing Robinson for lieutenant governor. However, after Robinson secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination in March 2024 with support from former President Donald Trump, AFP’s stance shifted.
Chris McCoy, who served as AFP’s North Carolina state director until 2022, described the initial discussions about supporting Robinson as "superficial" and "nothing deep." He highlighted Robinson’s polarizing personality as a reason for the group’s initial reluctance.
Despite this past hesitancy, AFP has since engaged in various activities promoting Robinson. These include launching a website encouraging voter gratitude for Robinson’s accomplishments, hosting him at events with Senator Ted Budd, and featuring him prominently in a podcast.
AFP Employs "Thank You" Approach to Support Robinson
AFP claims that their actions, including door-knocking campaigns, are not endorsements of Robinson and instead focus on thanking him for his support of specific policy positions, particularly related to school choice.
The group has been active in promoting Robinson’s advocacy for expanding school voucher programs, highlighting this policy stance in their digital advertisements. These ads praise Robinson’s efforts to provide North Carolina families with more choices in education.
"Now today, thanks to lieutenant governor Robinson and leadership in the North Carolina general assembly, families across the state have access to the school that best fits their child’s needs," a voiceover for the AFP ads says.
While AFP insists that these actions are not an endorsement of Robinson, their persistent focus on his advocacy for school choice and their efforts to thank him for his work as lieutenant governor suggest a more active role than a simple "thank you" gesture.
Robinson’s Troubled Campaign and Controversial Statements
Mark Robinson, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has been embroiled in controversy throughout his political career. While he has maintained a fervent following among some conservative voters, his rhetoric has been widely criticized by opponents and some within his own party.
Robinson has faced significant backlash after CNN reported on racist and sexually explicit content allegedly posted by him on a porn forum over a decade ago. Robinson denies authoring the posts, but the accusations have damaged his image and led to the resignations of several members of his campaign staff.
Robinson’s controversies extend beyond online content. He has made controversial statements about transgender individuals, including suggesting that transgender women should be arrested for using women’s restrooms.
Implications for the North Carolina Gubernatorial Race
The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has reportedly backed away from further ad buys to support Robinson’s campaign, signaling a potential shift in confidence in his ability to win the upcoming election.
Robinson currently trails his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, by a significant margin in polls. The race is expected to remain fiercely contested, with the outcome likely to be influenced by factors such as voter turnout, the impact of the controversies surrounding Robinson, and the overall national political climate.
The continued support of AFP, a powerful political force, for Robinson despite the controversies surrounding him, raises many questions about the political landscape in North Carolina. This situation highlights the complex dynamics at play in the state’s gubernatorial race and suggests a potential clash between core conservative values and the need to win elections. The upcoming election will provide insights into whether Robinson can overcome the scandals that have punctuated his campaign and secure victory despite facing intense scrutiny and criticism.
