Allegations of antisemitism surface against GOP North Carolina nominee Mark Robinson: Will it cost Trump the election?

North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson has pledged to continue his campaign despite a CNN report alleging he made racially and sexually offensive comments online over a decade ago. Robinson, who is currently the lieutenant governor, dismissed the report as “salacious tabloid lies” and vowed to fight on.
On Thursday, Robinson addressed the allegations in a video posted on social media platform X.He strongly denied the claims, asserting that the comments attributed to him do not reflect his character or beliefs. “Let me reassure you the things that you will see in that story — those are not the words of Mark Robinson,” he said.
The CNN report detailed comments Robinson allegedly posted on a pornography website forum, including derogatory remarks about civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and self-references that CNN described as problematic. Robinson is reported to have expressed disturbing views about women and transgender issues. CNN matched details of the online account to Robinson’s known information, but the Associated Press has not verified these claims independently.
The report has intensified scrutiny of Robinson, who has trailed Democratic nominee Josh Stein in recent polls. Stein has labelled Robinson as too extreme for the governorship, citing past inflammatory statements. Robinson's campaign has been further complicated by potential negative impacts on other Republican candidates in North Carolina, including former President Donald Trump, who has previously endorsed Robinson.
Will it cost Trump?
The scandal surrounding Robinson could threaten Trump’s prospects in the 2024 election, with North Carolina being a critical battleground state. Republican pollster Paul Shumaker expressed concerns that the controversy could damage Trump’s standing, asking, “Does Mark Robinson cost Donald Trump the White House?”
Trump's campaign has distanced itself from Robinson following the report. Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasised a focus on the presidential race, without addressing Robinson directly. In contrast, the North Carolina Republican Party defended Robinson, accusing the left of attempting to tarnish his reputation through personal attacks.
Robinson has been a prominent figure in Trump’s efforts to win over Black voters and has appeared alongside the former president at multiple rallies. However, the allegations of antisemitism and offensive comments now cast a shadow over Trump’s campaign, potentially undermining his outreach efforts and alienating key voter blocs.
On social media, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’ campaign seized on the controversy. Her spokesperson Ammar Moussa reposted a photo of Trump with Robinson, stating, “Donald Trump has a Mark Robinson problem.”