Foto: NC Executive Mansion
Photo: NC Executive Mansion
Guido Chami- North Carolina once again finds itself at the epicenter of American politics with a gubernatorial election that is capturing the attention of the state and the country. In this race, two figures emerge as leading contenders: the controversial Mark Robinson, a Republican who burst onto the political scene with his energetic and passionate speech, and Josh Stein, a Democrat with a solid track record as the state’s attorney general.
With radically different visions for the future of North Carolina, the election between Robinson and Stein has generated intense debate on a wide range of issues ranging from the economy and health care to education and social discourse.
Adding to this is the latest controversy surrounding American politician and conservative activist Mark Robinson, who has been lieutenant governor of North Carolina since January 2021. Recently, CNN published a report that, more than a decade ago, Robinson posted messages on a pornography website in which he referred to himself as a “black NAZI,” claimed he preferred Hitler to then-President Barack Obama, and called civil rights icon Martin Luther King “worse than a worm,” among other statements.
His advocacy for gun rights and criticism of gun control policies boosted his public profile and led him to run for the post of lieutenant governor of North Carolina, which he won in the 2020 election. In office, he has advocated for conservative policies on issues such as the economy, education and public safety.
Mark Robinson gained national recognition for his viral speech at a Greensboro City Council meeting in 2018. Since then, he has used his platform to advocate for policies that reflect beliefs rooted in conservatism.
As lieutenant governor, Robinson has promised to continue what he calls the fight for citizens’ rights. His approach is based on reducing taxes, protecting the Second Amendment, and promoting family values. All of Mark Robinson’s campaign proposals and events can be found at the following link:
On the other hand, Josh Stein, the Democratic attorney general, has a long career in public service and has campaigned on his record of defending civil rights, protecting the environment and promoting social justice. As attorney general, he has led efforts to combat fraud in the health care system, address the opioid crisis and protect consumers from unfair business practices.
His platform includes proposals to expand health care coverage, improve public education, and promote economic equity across the state. Stein has stressed the importance of building an inclusive and equitable society where all North Carolinians have the opportunity to thrive. Josh Stein’s campaign can be followed at the following link:
The debates between the two candidates have been intense, with discussions on a wide range of issues that reflect the concerns and aspirations of North Carolinians. The economy has been a central theme in the race, with Robinson promising tax cuts to spur growth and Stein advocating for policies that promote economic equity and worker protections.
Health care has also been a hot-button issue in the campaign, with divergent opinions on how to address the issue of health care accessibility and affordability in North Carolina. Stein has advocated for Medicaid expansion and continuing to protect people with pre-existing conditions, while Robinson has proposed a more market-based approach, favoring competition among insurance companies and deregulation of the health care market.
Education has been another crucial issue in the election, with candidates offering detailed plans to improve North Carolina’s education system. Stein has proposed increasing funding for public schools and improving working conditions for teachers, while Robinson has advocated for the implementation of merit-based schooling programs, among others.
While North Carolina is known for voting mostly for Republican candidates for president, having done so in 10 of the last 11 elections, only two Republican governors have served in those 11 terms. That is why, although the outcome of this election is unknown, according to recent polls, the result is favorable to Stein, even more so after the recent controversy in which Robinson was involved, which, for some, disqualifies him from running for office.
With so much at stake, North Carolina voters face a crucial decision about the future of their state. Whether they opt for the conservative approach of a controversial Robinson or the progressive approach of Stein, one thing is certain: the outcome of this election will have a lasting impact on the direction of North Carolina for years to come.
