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Robinson's past [[antisemitism|antisemitic]] comments have drawn scrutiny and condemnation.<ref name=Kassel/><ref name=King/> He claimed that the [[Marvel Studios|Marvel]] movie [[Black Panther (film)|''Black Panther'']] was "created by an agnostic Jew and put to film by satanic Marxists" that was "only created to pull the [[shekel]]s out of your [[Schvartze]] pockets" (using a Yiddish word for Black).<ref name=Campbell/><ref name=Billman/> Robinson also appeared at an interview with fringe pastor [[Sean Moon]], who claimed that he planned to become "king of the United States"; in the interview, Moon claimed that the [[Rothschild family]] was one of the "[[four horsemen of the apocalypse]]" and promoted the [[Antisemitic trope|antisemitic conspiracy theory]] of a [[Economic antisemitism|cabal of Jewish "international bankers"]] who rule every country's [[central bank]]. Robinson endorsed Moon's claim as "exactly right".<ref name=King>{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Colin|title=NC Lt. Gov. candidate appeared with religious leader who plans to become king of the US|date=October 22, 2020|newspaper=News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246619363.html|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219165548/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246619363.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Robinson's statements, as well as his refusal to apologize for or retract them, drew much concern from the leaders of North Carolina's Jewish community.<ref name=Kassel/> He later apologized for the comments about ''Black Panther'', saying his words did not reflect his intended message.<ref name= anderson>{{cite web| url = https://www.wral.com/in-memoir-nc-lt-gov-mark-robinson-mulls-2024-run-calls-for-taking-science-history-out-of-elementary-schools/20427624/| title = Mark Robinson mulls 2024 run, calls for taking science, history out of elementary schools| last = Anderson| first = Bryan| date = August 22, 2022| website = WRAL| publisher = Capitol Broadcasting Company| access-date = August 22, 2022}}</ref>
Robinson's past [[antisemitism|antisemitic]] comments have drawn scrutiny and condemnation.<ref name=Kassel/><ref name=King/> He claimed that the [[Marvel Studios|Marvel]] movie [[Black Panther (film)|''Black Panther'']] was "created by an agnostic Jew and put to film by satanic Marxists" that was "only created to pull the [[shekel]]s out of your [[Schvartze]] pockets" (using a Yiddish word for Black).<ref name=Campbell/><ref name=Billman/> Robinson also appeared at an interview with fringe pastor [[Sean Moon]], who claimed that he planned to become "king of the United States"; in the interview, Moon claimed that the [[Rothschild family]] was one of the "[[four horsemen of the apocalypse]]" and promoted the [[Antisemitic trope|antisemitic conspiracy theory]] of a [[Economic antisemitism|cabal of Jewish "international bankers"]] who rule every country's [[central bank]]. Robinson endorsed Moon's claim as "exactly right".<ref name=King>{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Colin|title=NC Lt. Gov. candidate appeared with religious leader who plans to become king of the US|date=October 22, 2020|newspaper=News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246619363.html|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219165548/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246619363.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Robinson's statements, as well as his refusal to apologize for or retract them, drew much concern from the leaders of North Carolina's Jewish community.<ref name=Kassel/> He later apologized for the comments about ''Black Panther'', saying his words did not reflect his intended message.<ref name= anderson>{{cite web| url = https://www.wral.com/in-memoir-nc-lt-gov-mark-robinson-mulls-2024-run-calls-for-taking-science-history-out-of-elementary-schools/20427624/| title = Mark Robinson mulls 2024 run, calls for taking science, history out of elementary schools| last = Anderson| first = Bryan| date = August 22, 2022| website = WRAL| publisher = Capitol Broadcasting Company| access-date = August 22, 2022}}</ref>


On his Facebook page, which has more than 100,000 followers, Robinson's posts, which have impugned [[transgender]] people, [[Muslims]], former President [[Barack Obama]], and [[African-American]]s who support Democrats, have drawn criticism.<ref name=Campbell>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246284085.html|title=Muslim 'invaders' and transgender 'delusion': Lt. gov. candidate's posts draw criticism|newspaper=The News & Observer|author=Colin Campbell|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127081653/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246284085.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Robinson accused people "who support this mass delusion called transgenderism" of seeking "to glorify Satan".<ref name=Campbell/> Robinson called former President Obama "a worthless, anti-American atheist"<ref name=Campbell/> and posted "[[birther]]" memes;<ref name=Billman/> accused [[Islam in the United States|American Muslims]] of being "INVADERS" who "refuse to assimilate to our ways while demanding respect they have not earned"; called [[Michelle Obama]] a man; and disparaged [[Joy Behar]] and [[Maxine Waters]] in crude terms.<ref name=Campbell/> After the 2016 [[Pulse nightclub shooting]], Robinson wrote that "Homosexuality is STILL an abominable sin and I WILL NOT join in 'celebrating gay pride.'"<ref name=Billman/> In 2020, Robinson asserted that the [[COVID-19|coronavirus]] was a "globalist" [[COVID-19 misinformation|conspiracy]] to defeat [[Donald Trump]], and dismissed the threat of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]], writing, "The looming pandemic I'm most worried about is SOCIALISM."<ref name=Billman/> In 2022, after [[Attack on Paul Pelosi|U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was violently assaulted at home]], Robinson made light of the attack and posted falsehoods about it.<ref name=Mikkelsen>{{Cite web|url=https://myfox8.com/news/lt-gov-mark-robinson-mocks-assault-on-paul-pelosi-with-facebook-post-i-dont-believe-you-or-the-press/|title=Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson 'mocks' assault on Paul Pelosi with Facebook post; 'I don't believe you or the press'|author=Emily Mikkelsen|date=November 2022 |publisher=WGHP}}</ref>
On his Facebook page, which has more than 100,000 followers, Robinson's posts, which have impugned [[transgender]] people, [[Muslims]], former President [[Barack Obama]], and [[African-American]]s who support Democrats, have drawn criticism.<ref name=Campbell>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246284085.html|title=Muslim 'invaders' and transgender 'delusion': Lt. gov. candidate's posts draw criticism|newspaper=The News & Observer|author=Colin Campbell|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127081653/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article246284085.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Robinson accused people "who support this mass delusion called transgenderism" of seeking "to glorify Satan".<ref name=Campbell/> Robinson called former President Obama "a worthless, anti-American atheist"<ref name=Campbell/> and posted "[[birther]]" memes;<ref name=Billman/> accused [[Islam in the United States|American Muslims]] of being "INVADERS" who "refuse to assimilate to our ways while demanding respect they have not earned"; called [[Michelle Obama]] a man; and disparaged [[Joy Behar]] and [[Maxine Waters]] in crude terms.<ref name=Campbell/> After the 2016 [[Pulse nightclub shooting]], Robinson wrote that "Homosexuality is STILL an abominable sin and I WILL NOT join in 'celebrating gay pride.'"<ref name=Billman/> In 2020, Robinson asserted that the [[COVID-19|coronavirus]] was a "globalist" [[COVID-19 misinformation|conspiracy]] to defeat [[Donald Trump]], and dismissed the threat of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]], writing, "The looming pandemic I'm most worried about is SOCIALISM."<ref name=Billman/> In 2022, after [[Attack on Paul Pelosi|U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was violently assaulted at home]], Robinson made light of the attack and posted falsehoods about it.<ref name=Mikkelsen2>{{Cite web|url=https://myfox8.com/news/lt-gov-mark-robinson-mocks-assault-on-paul-pelosi-with-facebook-post-i-dont-believe-you-or-the-press/|title=Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson 'mocks' assault on Paul Pelosi with Facebook post; 'I don't believe you or the press'|author=Emily Mikkelsen|date=November 2022 |publisher=WGHP}}</ref>


Over seven years, Robinson used his Facebook page to attack immigrants, members of the LGBT community, Jews, and Black people. In a 2013 post, he said the slogan "[[white pride]]" was not racist, writing: "I am TIRED of blacks and mexicans running around shouting about being proud of their race."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|author=Hunter Walker|date=2023-03-22 |title=North Carolina's Lt. Governor Is A Facebook Brawler Whose Posts Railed Against Gays, Blacks, And Jews |url=https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/mark-robinson-north-carolina-facebook |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=TPM – Talking Points Memo |language=en-US}}</ref> Robinson later wrote, "Note to liberals; I'll accept "Gay Pride" when you accept "White Pride"."<ref name=":0" /> In other posts, Robinson mocked Chinese accents; referred to African-Americans using [[List of ethnic slurs|ethnic slurs]] (including "muddle headed negroes," "apes," and "a monkey").<ref name=":0" /> He also promoted various conspiracy theories, including claims that the [[Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations]] were orchestrated by "the [[Illuminati]]"; that [[Ellen DeGeneres]] was a "top ranking demon ... proudly serving in Satan's army"; and that the [[2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]] featured "[[occult symbol]]s."<ref name=":0" /> Referring to abortion, he also wrote that the African-American community "murders its children by the millions."<ref name=":0" />
Over seven years, Robinson used his Facebook page to attack immigrants, members of the LGBT community, Jews, and Black people. In a 2013 post, he said the slogan "[[white pride]]" was not racist, writing: "I am TIRED of blacks and mexicans running around shouting about being proud of their race."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|author=Hunter Walker|date=2023-03-22 |title=North Carolina's Lt. Governor Is A Facebook Brawler Whose Posts Railed Against Gays, Blacks, And Jews |url=https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/mark-robinson-north-carolina-facebook |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=TPM – Talking Points Memo |language=en-US}}</ref> Robinson later wrote, "Note to liberals; I'll accept "Gay Pride" when you accept "White Pride"."<ref name=":0" /> In other posts, Robinson mocked Chinese accents; referred to African-Americans using [[List of ethnic slurs|ethnic slurs]] (including "muddle headed negroes," "apes," and "a monkey").<ref name=":0" /> He also promoted various conspiracy theories, including claims that the [[Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations]] were orchestrated by "the [[Illuminati]]"; that [[Ellen DeGeneres]] was a "top ranking demon ... proudly serving in Satan's army"; and that the [[2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]] featured "[[occult symbol]]s."<ref name=":0" /> Referring to abortion, he also wrote that the African-American community "murders its children by the millions."<ref name=":0" />

Revision as of 04:15, 14 August 2023

Mark Robinson
Robinson in 2020
35th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
Assumed office
January 9, 2021
GovernorRoy Cooper
Preceded byDan Forest
Personal details
Born
Mark Keith Robinson

(1968-08-18) August 18, 1968 (age 55)
Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Yolanda Hill
​
(m. 1990)​
Children2
EducationNorth Carolina A&T State University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (no degree)
Signature"M.K.R." Signature
Websitehttps://ltgov.nc.gov/
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1985–1989
UnitUnited States Army Reserve

Mark Keith Robinson (born August 18, 1968)[1] is an American politician serving as the 35th lieutenant governor of North Carolina since 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he is the first African-American to hold the office of lieutenant governor in North Carolina. He defeated Democratic nominee Yvonne Lewis Holley in the 2020 lieutenant gubernatorial election. Robinson has made numerous controversial statements and has promoted conspiracy theories, which critics have described as anti-LGBT,[2][3][4] antisemitic,[5] and Islamophobic.[6][7]

He is running for Governor of North Carolina in the 2024 election.[8]

Early life and education

Robinson was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the ninth of ten children.[9] Robinson has said that his father was abusive and alcoholic, and that he and his family suffered from domestic violence; Robinson and his siblings lived in foster care for part of their childhood, before moving back in with their mother, who worked as a custodian.[10][11] After high school, he served in the Army Reserve, later attending North Carolina A&T State University and working at several furniture factories in the Triad region.[10][12] While working in furniture manufacturing, he took history classes at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with the goal of securing a degree and becoming a history teacher.[13]

Political career

Robinson attributed the beginning of his interest in conservative politics to his reading of a book by Rush Limbaugh, after which he "found out that I was conservative and always had been."[13] In April 2018, Robinson attended a meeting of the Greensboro City Council, where they debated whether or not to cancel a gun show in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Robinson spoke in favor of gun rights, and video of his speech went viral after it was shared on Facebook by Mark Walker.[14] Afterwards, Robinson dropped out of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and left his job in furniture manufacturing to focus on public speaking engagements.[13] He was invited to speak at the National Rifle Association's annual convention that year.[15][16]

2020 campaign

Main article: 2020 North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election

Robinson ran in the 2020 election for lieutenant governor of North Carolina. He won the Republican nomination, clearing the 30% threshold to avoid a primary runoff, defeating state senator Andy Wells, superintendent of public instruction Mark Johnson, former congresswoman Renee Ellmers, and former state representative Scott Stone.[17] He faced Democratic nominee Yvonne Lewis Holley in the general election in November,[18] in a race in which either Robinson or Holley would become North Carolina's first African-American lieutenant governor.[19] Robinson was elected,[20] in the process becoming the second black person ever elected to the North Carolina Council of State, after Ralph Campbell Jr.[21]

Robinson's 2020 campaign finance reports contained incomplete information on his campaign contributors.[22] Campaign finance watchdog Bob Hall identified several questionable expenditures in Robinson's campaign reports, including $186 for medical bills and for $2,840 for "campaign clothes and accessories" (most of it spent at a sporting goods shop); the campaign did not explain how these expenditures were campaign-related.[22] Robinson's reports also stated that Robinson's wife spent $4,500 for "campaign clothing" but gave no details.[22] The reports also stated that Robinson withdrew an unexplained $2,400 in cash in apparent violation of a state law requiring all candidate cash payments over $50 to be accompanied by a detailed description explaining of what the money was for.[22] After these expenses came under scrutiny in 2021, Robinson's campaign blamed "clerical errors"; the executive director of the watchdog group Common Cause North Carolina filed a formal complaint with the State Board of Elections over the discrepancies.[22]

Political views and remarks

Robinson promoted his persona as a "brash and unfiltered conservative culture warrior".[23] He opposes abortion,[24] promotes climate change denial,[25] and opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana.[26] He has indicated that he wants to remove science and social studies from first through fifth grade curriculum, abolish the State Board of Education, and expand charter schools and school voucher programs, potentially supplanting the public school system.[27]

Robinson's past antisemitic comments have drawn scrutiny and condemnation.[23][28] He claimed that the Marvel movie Black Panther was "created by an agnostic Jew and put to film by satanic Marxists" that was "only created to pull the shekels out of your Schvartze pockets" (using a Yiddish word for Black).[29][24] Robinson also appeared at an interview with fringe pastor Sean Moon, who claimed that he planned to become "king of the United States"; in the interview, Moon claimed that the Rothschild family was one of the "four horsemen of the apocalypse" and promoted the antisemitic conspiracy theory of a cabal of Jewish "international bankers" who rule every country's central bank. Robinson endorsed Moon's claim as "exactly right".[28] Robinson's statements, as well as his refusal to apologize for or retract them, drew much concern from the leaders of North Carolina's Jewish community.[23] He later apologized for the comments about Black Panther, saying his words did not reflect his intended message.[27]

On his Facebook page, which has more than 100,000 followers, Robinson's posts, which have impugned transgender people, Muslims, former President Barack Obama, and African-Americans who support Democrats, have drawn criticism.[29] Robinson accused people "who support this mass delusion called transgenderism" of seeking "to glorify Satan".[29] Robinson called former President Obama "a worthless, anti-American atheist"[29] and posted "birther" memes;[24] accused American Muslims of being "INVADERS" who "refuse to assimilate to our ways while demanding respect they have not earned"; called Michelle Obama a man; and disparaged Joy Behar and Maxine Waters in crude terms.[29] After the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, Robinson wrote that "Homosexuality is STILL an abominable sin and I WILL NOT join in 'celebrating gay pride.'"[24] In 2020, Robinson asserted that the coronavirus was a "globalist" conspiracy to defeat Donald Trump, and dismissed the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, writing, "The looming pandemic I'm most worried about is SOCIALISM."[24] In 2022, after U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was violently assaulted at home, Robinson made light of the attack and posted falsehoods about it.[30]

Over seven years, Robinson used his Facebook page to attack immigrants, members of the LGBT community, Jews, and Black people. In a 2013 post, he said the slogan "white pride" was not racist, writing: "I am TIRED of blacks and mexicans running around shouting about being proud of their race."[31] Robinson later wrote, "Note to liberals; I'll accept "Gay Pride" when you accept "White Pride"."[31] In other posts, Robinson mocked Chinese accents; referred to African-Americans using ethnic slurs (including "muddle headed negroes," "apes," and "a monkey").[31] He also promoted various conspiracy theories, including claims that the Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations were orchestrated by "the Illuminati"; that Ellen DeGeneres was a "top ranking demon ... proudly serving in Satan's army"; and that the 2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony featured "occult symbols."[31] Referring to abortion, he also wrote that the African-American community "murders its children by the millions."[31]

In 2020, the Charlotte Observer editorial board described Robinson's posts as "cringeworthy" and "an embarrassment,"[32] while the state Democratic Party called them "homophobic, anti-Semitic, and downright unhinged."[28] Robinson's posts were also criticized by Equality North Carolina and Jewish community leaders in North Carolina.[29][33] Robinson declined to apologize for his posts, saying, "I'm not ashamed of anything that I post."[25][29]

Robinson defended the Kent State massacre of 1970, in which National Guardsmen killed several students at Ohio's Kent State University who were protesting the Vietnam War. After the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robinson mocked the teenage survivors, repeatedly disparaging them in personal terms,[34] calling the Parkland survivors "spoiled, angry, know it all CHILDREN"; "spoiled little bastards"; and "media prosti-tots".[34] He has additionally stated that mass shootings are "karma" for abortion, and has baselessly placed blame for them on gun safety activists, with no evidence to support his statements.[35]

On June 23, 2023, Robinson delivered remarks at a conference hosted by Moms for Liberty in which he encouraged the reading of the writings of several 20th-century dictators, stating, "Here’s the thing....Whether you’re talking about Adolf Hitler, whether you’re talking about Chairman Mao, whether you’re talking about Stalin, whether you’re talking about Pol Pot, whether you’re talking about Castro in Cuba, or whether you’re talking about a dozen other despots all around the globe, it is time for us to get back and start reading some of those quotes." The comments sparked another controversy, with media sources expressing concern over whether he may have implied the aforementioned 20th-century dictators were misunderstood or being taken out of context, in addition to the fact that he promoted the reading of their ideas at all.[36][37]

Tenure

Robinson was sworn in on January 9, 2021.[38] During his tenure Robinson has had a fraught relationship with Democratic Governor Roy Cooper; Robinson described communication between the two as "nonexistent".[39] As lieutenant governor, the constitution prescribed that Robinson served as acting governor when Cooper left the state, though Cooper regularly did not inform Robinson on his departures.[39]

FACTS Task Force

After swearing into office, Robinson began focusing on education issues, particularly with regards to the appropriateness of instructional and reading materials available to children enrolled in schools.[13] On March 26, 2021, he launched the FACTS (Fairness, Accountability in the Classroom for Teachers and Students) Task Force through his office's website. The 12-member task force was to field reports of political bias in instruction in public schools.[40] The task force was later expanded to 15 members.[41] The task force did not comply with the state open meeting law by maintaining records of its meetings or transactions.[41][42] The lieutenant governor's general counsel argued that the task force was not obligated to do so as it was not a "public body" and existed only to advise the lieutenant governor's office. The chief attorney of the General Assembly's Legislative Analysis Division disagreed, saying that the board met the criteria under state law for being considered a public body. Further ambiguity surrounded the task force's legal status as state law did not explicitly authorize or prohibit the lieutenant governor from creating their own official boards.[41]

The body released a report on summitted complaints in late August 2021. Some complaints pertained to allegedly biased lesson plans and instructional materials, while others directly attacked the task force itself as a fishing expedition and a waste of resources.[42] That month Robinson pushed for the adoption of a bill in the legislature which sought to prevent teachers from compelling students to adhere to 13 specific beliefs, including notions that one race or sex is superior to others.[13]

Anti-gay comments

In a June 2021 speech at a Seagrove, North Carolina church, Robinson disparaged "transgenderism and homosexuality" as "filth", saying: "There's no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth. And yes I called it filth. And if you don't like that I called it filth, come see me and I'll explain it to you." In the same speech, he called for an end to the separation of church and state in public schools.[43] In October 2021, after Robinson's speech was brought to light by Right Wing Watch, Democratic state senator Jeff Jackson called for Robinson to resign, and Governor Roy Cooper's office said that "It's abhorrent to hear anyone, and especially an elected official, use hateful rhetoric that hurts people and our state's reputation."[43] North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein made similar comments.[44]

The Biden administration, in a White House Press Office statement, condemned Robinson's words as "repugnant and offensive" and said that a leader's role is "to bring people together and stand up for the dignity and rights of everyone; not to spread hate and undermine their own office."[44] The following month, Robinson said that heterosexual couples are "superior" to gay couples because the latter cannot conceive a child together.[45] Robinson compared homosexuality to cow manure, maggots, and flies, explaining that the latter all serve a purpose in God's creation; whereas, with homosexuality, Robinson remarked, "If homosexuality is of God, what purpose does it serve? What does it make? What does it create? It creates nothing."[46]

2024 campaign for governor

On April 22, 2023, Robinson announced his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor of North Carolina during a speech at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, North Carolina.[47][48]

Personal life

Robinson married his wife, Yolanda, in 1990.[49] They had a child in 1990 and another in 1992.[13] They live in High Point, North Carolina.[50] Robinson had filed for bankruptcy on three occasions, has been sued for payments, and had liens placed on him by the Internal Revenue Service as recently as 2012. He stated in 2020 that any outstanding issues with the IRS had been "taken care of".[15]

In a 2012 social media post, Robinson acknowledged that in 1989, he paid for a woman that he impregnated to get an abortion.[51] In 2022, Robinson clarified that the woman in question was his eventual wife, Yolanda.[52]

Electoral history

2020 North Carolina Republican Primary lieutenant gubernatorial election[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mark Robinson 240,843 32.52%
Republican Andy Wells 107,824 14.56%
Republican Mark Johnson 89,200 12.04%
Republican John L. Ritter 85,023 11.48%
Republican Renee Ellmers 50,526 6.82%
Republican Greg Gebhardt 50,474 6.81%
Republican Deborah Cochran 48,234 6.51%
Republican Scott Stone 48,193 6.51%
Republican Buddy Bengel 20,395 2.75%
Total votes 740,712 100%
2020 North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election[54]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mark Robinson 2,800,655 51.63%
Democratic Yvonne Lewis Holley 2,623,458 48.37%
Total votes 5,424,113 100%
Republican hold

See also

References

  1. ^ "@markrobinsonNC" on Twitter
  2. ^ Billman, Jeffrey C. (March 27, 2020). "The NCGOP's Lt. Gov. Candidate Apparently Thinks the Coronavirus Is a "Globalist" Conspiracy to Destroy Donald Trump". Indy Week. Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  3. ^ Anderson, Bryan (September 18, 2022). "The enigma of Mark Robinson: How NC's outspoken lieutenant governor is climbing the GOP ladder". WRAL-TV. Capitol Broadcasting Company. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  4. ^ Anderson, Bryan (October 11, 2021). "NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Criticized Over Anti-LGBT Views". U.S. News & World Report. Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  5. ^ Matthew Kassel. (February 19, 2021). North Carolina's lieutenant governor has Jewish community on high alert: Republican Mark Robinson has drawn scrutiny for past antisemitic comments, refusing to apologize even after assuming office Archived October 9, 2021, at the Wayback Machine. Jewish Insider
  6. ^ Colin Campbell (October 10, 2020). "Muslim 'invaders' and transgender 'delusion': Lt. gov. candidate's posts draw criticism". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  7. ^ Anderson, Bryan (September 18, 2022). "The enigma of Mark Robinson: How NC's outspoken lieutenant governor is climbing the GOP ladder". WRAL. Capitol Broadcasting Company. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  8. ^ Mikkelsen, Emily; Stamps, Brayden (April 22, 2023). "Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson announces run for governor at cloudy Ace Speedway rally". Fox 8. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  9. ^ Pepin, Abi (February 20, 2020). "App State's Turning Point USA brings candidate for lieutenant governor to discuss education, gun rights". The Appalachian. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  10. ^ a b Battaglia, Danielle (November 9, 2020). "'Our message resonated': Greensboro's Mark Robinson on his improbable rise to lieutenant governor". News & Record. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  11. ^ "Mark Robinson's unique story guides political life". Carolina Journal -. October 12, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  12. ^ Hammer, John (July 2, 2019). "Mark Robinson Announces Run For Lt. Governor". The Rhino Times. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  13. ^ a b c d e f Anderson, Bryan (September 18, 2022). "The enigma of Mark Robinson: How NC's outspoken lieutenant governor is climbing the GOP ladder". WRAL-TV. Capitol Broadcasting Company. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  14. ^ Molina, Camila; Moody, Aaron (April 6, 2018). "'Come hell or high water,' citizens will keep gun rights, NC man vows in viral video". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Doran, Will (March 6, 2020). "Meet the black gun rights activist who could make history for Republicans". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on March 8, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  16. ^ Larson, David (March 11, 2020). "Grassroots effort drives Mark Robinson to shock win in GOP Lt. Gov. primary". North State Journal. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  17. ^ Gary D. Roberson (March 4, 2020). "Political newcomer Mark Robinson of Greensboro wins GOP nomination for lieutenant governor". Associated Press News. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  18. ^ Vaughan, Dawn (March 10, 2020). "Democrats avoid a runoff in NC, setting up history-making election for Lt. Governor". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on March 22, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  19. ^ "Gun Speech Propels Black Former Factory Worker to Lieutenant Gov Nomination". Afro. March 7, 2020. Archived from the original on April 25, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  20. ^ Krest, Shawn (November 3, 2020). "Mark Robinson becomes N.C.'s first African-American lieutenant governor". The North State Journal. Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  21. ^ Childress, Greg (November 4, 2020). "Election 2020: Gov. Cooper wins reelection, margins tight in several Council of State contests". NC Policy Watch. NC Justice Center. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  22. ^ a b c d e Danielle Battaglia (February 22, 2021). Watchdog: Robinson campaign report details 'disturbing' omissions, glaring discrepancies Archived October 9, 2021, at the Wayback Machine. News & Record
  23. ^ a b c Matthew Kassel. (February 19, 2021). North Carolina's lieutenant governor has Jewish community on high alert: Republican Mark Robinson has drawn scrutiny for past antisemitic comments, refusing to apologize even after assuming office Archived October 9, 2021, at the Wayback Machine. Jewish Insider
  24. ^ a b c d e Billman, Jeffrey C. (March 27, 2020). "The NCGOP's Lt. Gov. Candidate Apparently Thinks the Coronavirus Is a "Globalist" Conspiracy to Destroy Donald Trump". Indy Week. Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  25. ^ a b Fain, Travis (September 25, 2020). "On Facebook, NC's Republican candidate for lieutenant governor lashes out, insults". WRAL. Archived from the original on November 3, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  26. ^ "Candidate Profile for Mark Robinson". ivoterguide.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  27. ^ a b Anderson, Bryan (August 22, 2022). "Mark Robinson mulls 2024 run, calls for taking science, history out of elementary schools". WRAL. Capitol Broadcasting Company. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  28. ^ a b c Campbell, Colin (October 22, 2020). "NC Lt. Gov. candidate appeared with religious leader who plans to become king of the US". News & Observer. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g Colin Campbell (October 10, 2020). "Muslim 'invaders' and transgender 'delusion': Lt. gov. candidate's posts draw criticism". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  30. ^ Emily Mikkelsen (November 2022). "Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson 'mocks' assault on Paul Pelosi with Facebook post; 'I don't believe you or the press'". WGHP.
  31. ^ a b c d e Hunter Walker (March 22, 2023). "North Carolina's Lt. Governor Is A Facebook Brawler Whose Posts Railed Against Gays, Blacks, And Jews". TPM – Talking Points Memo. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "Endorsements: Our choices for NC Lt. Gov, Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer and Insurance". The Charlotte Observer. September 30, 2020. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  33. ^ Julian Grace (November 4, 2020). "Religious leader wants answers from lieutenant governor-elect about Facebook posts". WRAL. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  34. ^ a b Kaczynski, Andrew; Steck, Em (May 4, 2023). "GOP frontrunner for NC governor mocked school shooting survivors and once justified shooting protesters". CNN.
  35. ^ "North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson said mass shootings are "karma" for allowing abortion". Media Matters for America. May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  36. ^ "Moms for Liberty Speaker Says It's Time to Start Re-Reading Hitler, Stalin, & Mao". Jezebel. July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  37. ^ Otten, Tori. "North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Says Hitler Is Being Taken Out of Context". The New Republic. ISSN 0028-6583. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  38. ^ "North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, state officials sworn in during inauguration ceremony". WXII 12. January 9, 2021. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  39. ^ a b Anderson, Bryan (September 22, 2022). "'Nonexistent' relationship prompts call for law requiring more communication between Cooper and Robinson". WRAL-TV. Capitol Broadcasting Company. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  40. ^ "Lt. Governor Mark Robinson launches new website to report 'indoctrination' in North Carolina public schools". ABC11 Eyewitness News. WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham. March 17, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  41. ^ a b c Billman, Jeffrey (July 22, 2021). "Mark Robinson's Super-Secret Indoctrination Task Force". The Assembly. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  42. ^ a b Hyland, Michael (August 25, 2021). "NC Dems say production of Lt. Gov. Robinson's report on teachers lacks transparency". CBS17. Nexstar Media. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  43. ^ a b Jeff Reeves (October 7, 2021). "NC lawmaker calls on Lt. Gov. Robinson to resign over homophobic, transphobic comments". CBS17. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  44. ^ a b Web Staff (October 9, 2021). "Report: White House condemns N.C. lieutenant governor's statements about LGBTQ issues". WBTV. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  45. ^ Baker, Sinéad (November 21, 2021). "North Carolina's lieutenant governor said straight people are 'superior' to gay people". Business Insider. Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021. He said that a gay man once asked him: 'So, you think your wife and you — you think your heterosexual relationship is superior to my husband and my homosexual relationship?' And he told the crowd that he told the man yes. He said this was because two men could not conceive a child together. 'These people are superior because they can do something these people can't do,' he said. 'Because that's the way God created it to be. And I'm tired of this society trying to tell me it's not so.'
  46. ^ Murphy, Brian (November 19, 2021). "NC Lt. Gov. Robinson calls straight couples 'superior' to gays in sermon, video shows". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021. In Winston-Salem, Robinson compared being gay to 'what the cows leave behind' as well as maggots and flies, who he said all serve a purpose in God's creation. 'If homosexuality is of God, what purpose does it serve? What does it make? What does it create? It creates nothing,' Robinson said.
  47. ^ Doran, Will (April 21, 2023). "NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson announces 2024 bid for governor, setting up GOP primary battle". WRAL-TV. Raleigh, North Carolina. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  48. ^ "North Carolina: Mark Robinson attracts scrutiny as extremist in Republican race". The Guardian. Associated Press. April 23, 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  49. ^ Lt. governor says he paid for wife’s abortion before they were married, WITN March 24, 2022)
  50. ^ Pulliam, Tim (November 10, 2020). "North Carolina's first Black lieutenant governor-elect Mark Robinson hopes to inspire others with personal story". ABC11 Raleigh-Durham. Archived from the original on November 22, 2020. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  51. ^ Anderson, Bryan; Specht, Paul; Leslie, Laura (March 23, 2022). "'It was wrong': North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson says he paid for abortion in 1989". WRAL. Archived from the original on March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  52. ^ "WRAL: NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson says he and his wife made mistake not to go through with pregnancy before marriage". March 24, 2022. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  53. ^ "2020 Republican Primary Lieutenant Governor Election Results". Archived from the original on March 6, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  54. ^ "2020 North Carolina Lieutenant Governor General Election Results". Archived from the original on March 6, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.

External links

Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
2020 		Most recent
Political offices
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
2021–present 		Incumbent
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