Donald Trump Expresses Support for Mark Robinson in NC Gubernatorial Race, Draws Parallel to MLK – Sky Bulletin

In a recent public endorsement, Donald Trump declared his support for North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson in his campaign for governor. During a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the former president drew an unconventional comparison between Robinson, an African American, and the iconic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., going as far as to dub Robinson “Martin Luther King on steroids.”

Trump revealed that Robinson was taken aback by the comparison, as he recounted telling him, “I think you’re better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two.” Trump assured Robinson that it was meant to be a compliment.

In his endorsement speech, Trump highlighted Robinson along with other candidates to be supported in the impending North Carolina Republican primaries on Tuesday, announcing that they have his “complete and total endorsement.” This comes as Trump himself looks to secure his position as the GOP nominee by marginalizing competitors such as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Robinson has emerged as the GOP’s leading candidate for the governor’s office, thanks in part to Trump’s implicit backing, robust fundraising efforts, and favorability with the party’s base, even before the formal endorsement. On the other hand, Robinson’s competitors, State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham, express skepticism about his potential success in the November general election, particularly given his controversial stances on LGBTQ+ rights and other matters.

Trump praised Robinson as an “incredible gentleman” and a “great, natural speaker,” recalling Robinson’s ascent to prominence following a 2018 pro-gun and pro-police speech at the Greensboro City Council, which became an internet sensation. This fame paved the way for Robinson to gain a seat on the National Rifle Association board and to become the first African American lieutenant governor of North Carolina in 2020 during his inaugural political campaign.

Robinson, a Greensboro native, expressed his gratitude for the endorsement from Trump and his eagerness to collaborate towards a Republican victory in November to “get our state and country back on track.” Additionally, Democratic candidates are in the race for nomination, including Attorney General Josh Stein and former state Supreme Court Associate Justice Mike Morgan, with Stein having already received backing from the incumbent Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.

While the state Democratic Party Chair, Anderson Clayton, did not find Trump’s endorsement surprising, she criticized the potential for Robinson to lead the state emphasizing “job-killing culture wars.”

Elections in North Carolina are often tightly contested in the country’s ninth-largest state by population.

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This article includes contributions from Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Who is Mark Robinson?

Mark Robinson is the current Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina and a gubernatorial candidate supported by Donald Trump.

What did Donald Trump say about Mark Robinson?

Donald Trump endorsed Mark Robinson for governor and compared him to Martin Luther King Jr., suggesting that Robinson embodies MLK’s qualities “on steroids.”

How has Robinson’s campaign been perceived within the GOP?

Robinson has become the front-runner among the Republican candidates due to his popularity with party loyalists, effective fundraising, and the backing of Donald Trump.

Who are Robinson’s competitors in the GOP primary?

State Treasurer Dale Folwell and trial attorney Bill Graham are among Robinson’s rivals for the gubernatorial nomination.

When are the North Carolina Republican primaries?

The North Carolina Republican primaries are scheduled to take place on an upcoming Tuesday as indicated in the original article.

The endorsement of Mark Robinson by former President Donald Trump signifies a pivotal moment in the North Carolina gubernatorial race. Trump’s comparison of Robinson to a civil rights legend like Martin Luther King Jr. can be viewed as both a strategic move to rally support and a bold statement on Robinson’s capabilities as a leader. With the primaries fast approaching, it is clear that political endorsements continue to play a significant role in shaping election outcomes and public perception.