RALEIGH, N.C. — A lot is on the line for the upcoming election cycle in North Carolina. Voters in the Tarheel state will decide the next Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor.
The race for governor is one of the most expensive and contentious in recent history.
Ahead of the primaries, 13News Now is introducing you to the candidates that will appear on the ballot.
Republicans are hoping to take back the governor’s office for the first time since 2016.
The Republican primary ballot includes current Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, State Treasurer Dale Folwell, and Salisbury attorney Bill Graham.
Robinson is the clear front-runner — 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, he would become the first Black governor in North Carolina history.
The Democratic ticket is a more crowded field of candidates featuring Attorney General Josh 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.
Attorney General Stein is the front-runner. He has raised $11.5 million for his campaign — far and away the most of any candidate on either side of the aisle.
Democrats are hoping to keep the governor’s office blue following current Gov. Roy Cooper’s exit because of term limits.
There are also two Libertarian candidates running for North Carolina governor, tech entrepreneur Shannon Bray and businessman Mike Ross.
North Carolina will hold its primary election on March 5, 2024. Its general election is slated for Nov. 5, 2024.