NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Mark Robinson has won the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 2024 gubernatorial election, while Josh Stein will be the Democratic nominee, defeating a crowded field of candidates in the Tar Heel state.
As of 8 p.m., Robinson is winning the Republican primary with 63% of the vote, while Stein is carrying 72% in the Democratic primary, according to the Associated Press.
The Republican Governors Association congratulated Robinson for his GOP primary win:
“North Carolina families want someone whose conservative policies will deliver results by expanding opportunity, security and freedom,” said RGA Chairman and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “From investing in safe neighborhoods to driving economic prosperity, Mark Robinson will put the people of North Carolina first. This is in stark contrast from the Democrats’ ideas and agenda that have failed America at the federal level and will fail North Carolina at the state level. The RGA congratulates Mark Robinson on his win and we look forward to supporting him in the general election.”
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton shared a statement Wednesday morning praising Stein for his work as attorney general, "whether fighting the opioid crisis, protecting consumers from fraud, or defending voting and reproductive rights."
“As Governor, he will continue delivering for North Carolinians to build a North Carolina with strong public schools, safe communities, and economic opportunity for every person," Clayton wrote. "Over the next eight months, North Carolina Democrats are committed to doing everything we can to keep the Governorship blue.”
The results set up a hotly contested race to succeed Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has been in office since 2017 and is term-limited. With Republicans hoping to take back the governor’s office for the first time since 2016, North Carolina's gubernatorial election will be closely watched.
Political forecaster Sabato's Crystal Ball, which is based out of the UVA Center for Politics, ranks the election as a toss-up, while the Cook Political Report believes Democrats are slightly favored.
Going into the primaries, Robinson was the clear frontrunner — but not without controversy. The Army veteran’s harsh comments about the LGBTQ+ community, the role of women in society, and the Holocaust have made him a target of political attack ads.
If elected, Robinson would become the first Black governor in North Carolina history.
The Democratic was a more crowded field of candidates featuring Stein, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan, Tryon Mayor Pro Tempore Chrelle Booker, Lumberton attorney Marcus Williams, and Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy Gary Foxx.
Stein was also the frontrunner going into the primary. As of mid-February, he raised $11.5 million for his campaign — far and away the most of any candidate on either side of the aisle.
Robinson and Stein will face off on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5.