Josh Stein has been elected the 76th governor of North Carolina, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in a highly contentious race. Stein, a former attorney general and a member of the Democratic Party, was widely considered the favorite in the contest, despite North Carolina’s reputation as a battleground state. His victory, confirmed by The Associated Press on Nov. 5, 2024, marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.
Robinson, 56, who was elected lieutenant governor in 2020, faced intense scrutiny throughout the campaign due to his controversial comments and actions. His inflammatory rhetoric, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ community and Jewish people, sparked widespread backlash and became a focal point of the race.
One of the most damaging reports came from CNN in September 2024, which revealed that Robinson had allegedly made comments on a pornographic website between 2008 and 2012, including calling himself a “Black Nazi” and expressing support for the reinstatement of slavery. CNN’s investigation verified these posts, citing biographical details and the account’s associated email address. Robinson, however, dismissed the report as “salacious tabloid trash,” claiming that it was an attempt to smear his character.
The controversy surrounding Robinson extended beyond his online comments. He has faced criticism for past remarks about Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust. In a 2014 Facebook post, Robinson quoted Hitler, and he later denied the Holocaust in multiple posts, stating that the widely accepted narrative about Hitler disarming Jews and sending them to concentration camps was “a bunch of hogwash.”
In addition to these extreme views, Robinson has made derogatory remarks about LGBTQ+ individuals. He once described homosexuality as a “filthy abomination” and “degenerate, un-natural lust.” His comments on women’s rights also raised alarms; in a 2020 event, Robinson expressed a desire to return to a time when women did not have the right to vote.
Robinson’s rhetoric drew further controversy when a report surfaced in May 2023 revealing that he had referred to survivors of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, as “spoiled little b—–ds.” These statements contributed to growing concerns about his suitability for higher office and overshadowed his political career.
Despite these controversies, Robinson managed to secure the Republican nomination for governor in 2024, winning with 66% of the primary vote. His candidacy was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, which helped solidify his standing within the party. However, his controversial views and divisive public persona made the general election a fierce contest.
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On the other hand, Stein’s candidacy was seen as more moderate and unifying, and he led in polling throughout the final stretch of the race. Despite North Carolina’s status as a swing state, where elections are often decided by razor-thin margins, Stein consistently outperformed Robinson in surveys, holding a steady lead outside the margin of error. His campaign focused on expanding access to healthcare, improving education, and addressing the state’s economic challenges.
Stein’s victory will allow him to succeed Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited after serving two terms. Cooper, who has served as North Carolina’s governor since 2017, has been a key figure in the state’s Democratic politics. Stein’s win ensures that the state will continue to be led by a Democratic governor for at least the next four years.
A former state senator, Stein had been North Carolina’s attorney general for nearly eight years before running for governor. He first won the attorney general’s office in 2016, edging out his Republican opponent in a tight race. He was reelected in 2020 by a similarly narrow margin. Throughout his tenure, Stein became known for his strong stances on issues such as consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and fighting opioid addiction.
Stein’s gubernatorial bid represents his ambition to build on his legacy as attorney general and further his policy goals at the state level. His victory is seen as a testament to his political acumen and ability to connect with North Carolina voters, particularly in the face of a deeply polarizing opponent like Robinson.
In his victory speech, Stein thanked his supporters and pledged to work across party lines to address the state’s most pressing issues. He emphasized the need for unity in a state that remains deeply divided on many political issues. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Stein said. “But together, we can move North Carolina forward.”
