The upcoming North Carolina gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a microcosm of the nation’s political divide, with Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein leading the pack in their respective Super Tuesday primaries. The state’s political landscape is likely to echo the choices voters face in the presidential election, with former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden as the frontrunners.
North Carolina, a state that Trump narrowly clinched in 2020, is once again a key battleground in 2024. The Democrats, led by Biden, are hoping to flip the state while maintaining control in Raleigh by passing the baton from term-limited Gov. Roy Cooper to Stein. Stein, viewed as a rising star in the Democratic party, is seen as the last best hope to halt the Republicans’ advance in the state.
The political divide in North Carolina is as stark as anywhere in the US, with a Republican supermajority in the legislature often clashing with Cooper over issues ranging from abortion to taxes and regulations. However, the Super Tuesday primaries are expected to proceed without much drama, with Stein and Biden predicted to win their respective nominations, and Trump and Robinson leading the Republican field.
Robinson, a favorite of the GOP’s MAGA wing, is known for his contentious statements and conservative stance on social issues. He has been endorsed by Trump, who praised him as a “great, natural speaker.” Stein, on the other hand, has been an active advocate for women’s reproductive rights and has been vocal in his opposition to the state’s new abortion ban.
The upcoming gubernatorial race promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in the country, with stark differences between the candidates. Robinson’s controversial rhetoric and conservative social policy agenda may provide Democrats with an opportunity to retain the governor’s mansion, while Stein’s moderate stance and advocacy for women’s rights could appeal to a broader electorate.
As the primaries approach, high-profile figures from both parties have visited the state, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. The outcome of the race will not only determine the political direction of North Carolina but could also serve as a bellwether for the nation’s political climate.