Josh Stein Promises Clean Energy and Education Reforms in Governor Race
- North Carolina voters chose between candidates Josh Stein and Mark Robinson in a competitive gubernatorial race.
- The campaign faced turbulence after reports about Robinson’s past comments affected his support and campaign structure.
- Stein's platform aimed to maintain and expand Cooper’s policies, while Robinson's appeal leaned toward conservatives.
On November 5, 2024, North Carolina voters participated in a highly competitive gubernatorial race to determine the successor of term-limited Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. The primary candidates were Democrat Josh Stein, the state's attorney general, and Republican Mark Robinson, the state's first Black lieutenant governor. Stein focused his campaign on continuing Cooper’s policies such as public school funding, clean energy, and protection of reproductive rights, while Robinson aimed to appeal to more conservative voters with his working-class background and blunt demeanor. The race was marked by significant tension, especially after an article from CNN reported on Robinson’s past controversial comments and explicit posts, which led to a shakeup in his campaign staff and diminished support among GOP officials. Despite the controversies, Robinson maintained a grassroots campaign style, emphasizing his personal story of overcoming hardships. He had previously held a position as Cooper’s consumer protection chief. The campaign was further complicated by the impact of Hurricane Helene, which brought catastrophic flooding to the region. Both candidates took part in relief efforts, which influenced their public image leading up to the election. Stein's role as attorney general put him in the spotlight during press conferences regarding recovery efforts. As the election concluded, both candidates left a significant mark on the campaign landscape of North Carolina, ultimately shaping the future political dynamics of one of the largest states in the U.S.