Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson. He is an American politician serving as the 35th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina since 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he is the first African American to hold the office. Robinson gained initial political prominence after a viral 2018 speech before the Greensboro City Council defending gun rights.

Early life and education

Mark Robinson was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and was raised primarily by his grandmother. He attended James B. Dudley High School before studying history at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, though he did not complete a degree. Before entering politics, Robinson worked in various manufacturing and furniture industry jobs in the Piedmont Triad region. He and his wife, Yolanda, have owned a small business and have been involved in their local church community in Greensboro.

Political career

Robinson's political career began unexpectedly when a video of his remarks to the Greensboro City Council in April 2018 spread widely on social media, catching the attention of state and national conservative figures. He formally entered the 2020 race for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, defeating several established opponents in the Republican primary including Andy Wells and Scott Stone. In the general election, he defeated Democratic nominee Yvonne Lewis Holley, a state representative from Raleigh, winning alongside a Republican slate that included nominee for Governor Dan Forest. His swearing-in ceremony in January 2021 was administered by Chief Justice Paul Newby of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Political positions

Robinson is a staunch social and fiscal conservative, aligning with the platform of the national Republican Party. He is a vocal opponent of abortion access, having spoken at events for the Susan B. Anthony List and described himself as "100% pro-life without exception." He is a strong supporter of gun rights and has criticized gun control measures proposed by Democrats. On education, he has been a prominent critic of the critical race theory framework and certain aspects of LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum in public schools, advocating for school choice policies. He has expressed skepticism toward some public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Controversies

Robinson has faced significant criticism for past comments discovered on his personal Facebook page, including posts with antisemitic tropes and derogatory statements about the LGBT community, Islam, and Michelle Obama. He has described these as old posts taken out of context. His speaking style and rhetoric at political rallies have also drawn scrutiny; he once referred to LGBTQ activism and socialism as "filth." These comments have been condemned by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Human Rights Campaign. His views on historical events, including comments downplaying the significance of the Holocaust, have generated ongoing political and media controversy.

Electoral history

In his first run for public office, Robinson won the 2020 lieutenant gubernatorial election. He secured the Republican primary with 32.6% of the vote in a crowded field. In the November general election, he defeated Democratic nominee Yvonne Lewis Holley, receiving 51.6% of the vote to Holley's 48.4%. Robinson was elected on the same ticket as U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, who won re-election, though the party's gubernatorial candidate, Dan Forest, lost to incumbent Roy Cooper. In March 2024, Robinson won the Republican primary for Governor of North Carolina, becoming his party's nominee for the 2024 election against Democratic nominee Josh Stein, the state's Attorney General. Category:1968 births Category:Lieutenant Governors of North Carolina Category:Republican Party state lieutenant governors of the United States Category:21st-century American politicians