Several top staff members have resigned from the campaign of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor, following revelations about controversial posts allegedly linked to him on a pornographic website. The departures, including Robinson’s campaign manager and finance director, come as the scandal threatens Republican prospects in the crucial battleground state.
The campaign announced Sunday that four senior leaders had stepped down: campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, general consultant Conrad Pogorzelski III, finance director Heather Whillier, and deputy campaign manager Jason Rizk. Robinson, however, vowed to continue his run for governor, saying in a statement, “I appreciate the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away... I look forward to announcing new staff roles in the coming days.”
The resignations follow a CNN report alleging that Robinson was connected to a porn site user who posted inflammatory content, including calls for reinstating slavery, detailing an affair with his wife’s sister, and referring to himself as a “black NAZI.” Screenshots obtained by *The Washington Post* also show the same username praising Adolf Hitler’s *Mein Kampf*. Robinson has denied being behind the posts.
Despite the controversy, the North Carolina Republican Party has continued to back Robinson. However, GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who endorsed Robinson, has distanced himself. Robinson’s absence from Trump’s rally in Wilmington, N.C., this past weekend was noticeable, and Trump has yet to address the scandal publicly.
Some senior state Republicans are concerned that the fallout could cost the party its supermajority in the General Assembly, with pressure mounting for Robinson to exit the race even after a deadline to withdraw passed last Thursday. Democrats hope the controversy boosts their chances in North Carolina, a key state for Trump’s electoral college strategy.
Robinson has consistently trailed his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein, in the polls. Nonetheless, Robinson remains defiant, insisting that polling has often underestimated Republican strength in North Carolina and reaffirming his commitment to stay in the race.
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