Mark Robinson gubernatorial campaign sees backlash from within

Supporters of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson are at odds over the pathway forward. The side encouraging Robinson to soften his views and dodge the press is winning.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson submits gubernatorial candidacy paperwork in Raleigh on Dec. 14, 2023.

There’s no shortage of finger pointing going on right now within Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s political orbit.

As Robinson approaches the home stretch of his gubernatorial campaign against Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, interviews with Robinson supporters, individuals close to him and outside observers reveal a mounting frustration with the direction the campaign is heading.

Robinson has slipped in polls amid an onslaught of criticism over his personal opposition to abortion under all circumstances and support of further restrictions beyond the state’s existing 12-week limit.

It’s an issue consultants recognize has hurt Republicans in other states and makes Robinson particularly vulnerable. And no matter how much the campaign may like the issue to go away, it persists as a line of attack needing a response.

The campaign’s solution: A 30-second television ad explaining the lieutenant governor’s personal connection to the issue and how he now finds the current state law sufficient. Until the ad, Robinson had favored a heartbeat bill that would ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

The video has left some of Robinson’s supporters and GOP strategists confused, frustrated or longing for the unapologetic Republican they had come to appreciate for his clear positions, wider accessibility and willingness to go on the offensive.