In the upcoming North Carolina gubernatorial race, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein are the frontrunners in their respective Super Tuesday primaries.
The race is expected to reflect the broader national political landscape, with Robinson representing the right-wing faction and Stein positioning himself as a moderate with a diverse coalition of support.
North Carolina, a key battleground state, is crucial in the 2024 election. President Joe Biden and the Democrats aim to flip the state, which Donald Trump narrowly won in 2020.
At the same time, Democrats seek to maintain control in Raleigh by transitioning from term-limited Gov. Roy Cooper to Stein. Stein is seen as a rising star and the Democratic Party’s best chance to counter the momentum of state Republicans.
North Carolina’s electorate is closely divided, and the Republican legislative supermajority has been in constant conflict with Cooper over various issues, including the state’s new 12-week abortion ban, taxes, and regulations.
In the Super Tuesday primaries, Stein is heavily favored to win the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, while Biden is expected to secure the delegates without significant contention.
On the Republican side, Trump is poised to win his third consecutive presidential primary victory in the state. Robinson leads in the polls for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, positioning him as a strong contender for the general election.