Before Mark Robinson, the GOP candidate for governor in North Carolina, appeared at the state party’s convention on Saturday, several local candidates boosted enthusiasm by endorsing Robinson’s run for governor in their own speeches.
When the lieutenant governor finally took the stage at the NCGOP Convention’s Old North State Dinner in Greensboro, Robinson began his impassioned speech by criticizing the media for overly focusing on Donald Trump’s legal issues instead of what he sees as the failures of the Democratic Party.
Robinson also outlined his vision for the state, emphasizing improvements to the economy and education.
“There are plenty of talented people in this state who share our vision, and together we can turn this vision into reality,” Robinson said during his speech, which was broadcast live by WGHP, a Triad television station.
At 55 years old, Robinson is in a highly contested gubernatorial race for the 2024 election against his Democratic opponent, state Attorney General Josh Stein.
Robinson’s outspoken political approach has attracted attention from supporters of former President Trump, who formally endorsed Robinson during a rally in Greensboro in March, likening him to “Martin Luther King on steroids.”
However, Robinson has also faced criticism for his views on the LGBTQ community and his stance on abortion rights. Despite this, the Greensboro native has defended his positions, stating he can differentiate his personal beliefs from his duties in public office and aims to make North Carolina a state that values life.
In his speech, Robinson positioned himself as part of a successful team, crediting Republican policies for the state’s economic achievements and emphasizing the governor’s role, under his leadership, in sustaining and enhancing that success.
“North Carolina is on the verge of significant economic growth,” Robinson declared. “It’s time for us to harness that potential and guide this state towards an even brighter future.”