North Carolina’s Attorney General Josh Stein secured a significant win on Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to become the state’s next governor.
According to the Associated Press, Mr Stein received 775,821 votes (51.7 per cent) of the total vote, while Mr Robinson garnered 653,335 votes (43.6 per cent), with 25 per cent of the votes counted at the time of reporting.
Mr Stein’s victory ensures that Democrats will continue to hold the state’s top executive office, even as Republicans maintain control over the legislature and appeals courts.
A key factor in Mr Stein’s victory was his team’s use of television ads and social media to remind voters of Mr Robinson’s controversial past statements on abortion, women, and LGBTQ+ issues.
The remarks, viewed by many as inflammatory, were repeatedly highlighted to portray Mr Robinson as too extreme for a state that often swings politically between parties.
Mr Robinson, who had hoped to make history as North Carolina’s first Black governor, centred his campaign on appealing to religious conservatives, gun rights advocates, and those frustrated with the political establishment.
His sharp criticisms of abortion, his views on women’s roles, and his anti-LGBTQ+ statements might have drawn national attention and become a focal point in the race.
As Mr Stein prepares to take office, his administration is expected to prioritise expanding healthcare access, increasing teachers’ pay, and safeguarding voting rights issues he championed throughout his campaign.
With national attention on swing states like North Carolina, Stein’s leadership could have implications for the broader political landscape in the coming years.
