Election 2024: Polling favorable for Stein to win governor’s race

(The Center Square) – As voting in North Carolina has already begun, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor has taken an even steeper uphill climb to the governor’s mansion.

Voters only three times since the 1896 election have chosen a Republican. If he wins, Robinson would be the first black man elected governor in North Carolina.

Recent polls have him trailing Democrat Josh Stein, bidding to be the first of Jewish faith to win the seat, by anywhere from 12% to 19%.

Earlier this year, Robinson led Stein. In the summer, the shift began by 5% or less. The separation was growing and then came Sept. 19, when CNN released a report from CNN tying Robinson to an internet porn chat room.

Robinson called the report “lies” and says he’s pursuing litigation against the network.

Labeled one of the most expensive and competitive governor’s races in the nation, both candidates brought in millions of dollars.

Stein’s fundraising has more than doubled Robinson.

Much of that support for Stein came from out-of-state donors, with the Democrat bringing in 545% more than Robinson in out-of-state contributions in the second fundraising quarter.

Robinson says he will provide North Carolina with strong leadership.

“We’ll back law enforcement, reduce violent crime, and hold officers to the highest standards,” he says on his campaign website. “Our plan invests in education, boosts teacher pay, and expands career opportunities for students. For our veterans, we’ll make North Carolina the gold standard in care, with health care close to home. And we’ll ease inflation, reform regulations, and cut taxes for families and businesses.”

Stein is prioritizing the economy, education, and jobs, along with more progressive goals like abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights.

He has labeled Robinson an “extremist.”

“I’ve said it before – and I’ll say it again: Mark Robinson is unfit to become NC’s next Governor,” he said on social media.

In the wake of the storms in North Carolina, Robinson has said it is time to put “people ahead of politics.” He has called out the federal response to the disaster following Hurricane Helene.

“It shouldn’t have to be that way. Our taxpayers deserve to know that when disaster strikes our government will be there to keep us safe,” he said. “To say that they have failed us this time would be a tremendous understatement.”

According to a forecast from Race to the White House, Stein has a 96.5% chance of winning the governor’s race. This forecast is based on polling and “fundamentals” and is updated daily.