Mark Robinson: From Factory Worker to Political Figure
Mark Keith Robinson, born on August 18, 1968, in Greensboro, North Carolina, has had a multifaceted career, transitioning from blue-collar work to becoming a prominent figure in North Carolina politics. His journey is marked by a viral speech, a historic election as Lieutenant Governor, and a run for the Governor's office.
Early Life and Education
Growing up as the ninth of ten children in Greensboro, Robinson has described his upbringing as extremely poor. He has spoken about his father's struggles with alcoholism and the domestic violence his family endured. Robinson graduated from Grimsley High School. Later, he attended North Carolina A&T State University and then the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he pursued history with the intention of becoming a history teacher and graduated with a B.A.
Robinson proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve. In his professional life, Mark has worked in various blue-collar industries, including a long stint in furniture manufacturing.
Rise to Political Prominence
Robinson's political career began with a speech at a Greensboro City Council meeting on April 3, 2018, in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The council was debating whether to cancel a gun show. His impassioned defense of gun rights went viral, catapulting him into the political spotlight. This event signaled to Robinson that he could have a sway in the community.
Motivated by the positive reception of his speech, Robinson launched his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. In 2020, he won the race against Yvonne Lewis Holley with almost 52% of the vote.
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Tenure as Lieutenant Governor
In 2021, Mark Robinson became the first black Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. During his time in office, he championed more transparency for parents in their children’s education, education options, and ensuring schools are safe. He has been an outspoken supporter of law enforcement, cutting taxes for all hardworking North Carolinians, and making NC the gold standard for veterans’ care.
From his first day in office, Robinson partnered with parents, students, and teachers to learn more about why students have been falling behind in school. They shared countless concerning details, including more than 500 examples of inappropriate materials in classrooms all over the state. As Governor, Mark Robinson aimed to get schools refocused on academics so more students would be college and career ready.
As lieutenant governor, Robinson fought a party-line battle around education, creating a task force called F.A.C.T.S. to document indoctrination in schools. He’s said publicly on multiple occasions that teachers deserve better pay while simultaneously accusing some public schools of indoctrinating students. The task force acronym stands for Fairness and Accountability in the Classroom for Teachers and Students, and the published report categorized submissions under themes such as “fear of retaliation,” “the sexualization of kids,” “Critical Race Theory,” “white shaming,” “biased news media and/or lesson plans,” and “shaming of certain political beliefs.”
During his four years as lieutenant governor, journalists covering the legislature and his opponents in the primary said he rarely showed up to the Senate, which he oversees in the role, as the News and Observer has reported. In response, his team said Robinson has taken his role as lieutenant governor seriously and will do the same if elected as governor. “Unlike previous lieutenant governors and media reports that viewed the office as largely ceremonial, Lt. Gov. Robinson views the office as an opportunity to proactively make an impact for the people of North Carolina," Lonergan wrote. "The lieutenant governor is continuously in communication with lawmakers and legislative leadership, and he’s worked with them to cut taxes on veterans’ benefits, secure more than $11 million for apprenticeships, position North Carolina to lead our energy future by creating the Energy Innovation Committee and more."
2024 Gubernatorial Campaign
Near the end of his term as Lieutenant Governor, Robinson won the Republican nomination for governor. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
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Robinson's campaign was marked by controversy due to a history of incendiary and controversial statements, including about abortion, Adolf Hitler, the LGBTQ community, women's rights, civil rights, and holocaust denial.
Controversial Statements and Beliefs
Robinson's political career has been accompanied by numerous controversial statements that have drawn criticism and sparked debate.
Abortion
Robinson has expressed strong anti-abortion views. He has described abortion as "genocide" and "murder" and stated that there is no compromise on the issue. In February 2023, he declared, "If I had all the power right now, let's say I was the governor and had a willing legislature, we could pass a bill saying you can't have an abortion in North Carolina for any reason." In April 2023, Robinson said: "I would love to see abortion outlawed."
LGBTQ Community
Robinson has made disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ community. In a June 2021 speech, he said, "There's no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth." He has also compared homosexuality to cow manure, maggots, and flies.
Women's Rights
Robinson has made controversial statements regarding women's rights. In 2010, he declared, "I absolutely want to go back to the America where women couldn't vote … because in those days we had people who fought for real social change, and they were called Republicans.” In 2022, Robinson said that Christians "are called to be led by men … when it was time to face down Goliath, [God] sent David.
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Civil Rights Movement
In a March 2018 podcast, Robinson called the Civil Rights Movement a communist plot to "subvert capitalism" and "to subvert free choice."
Violence
At a speech on June 30, 2024, made in a White Lake church, he said "Some folks need killing!" He continued to say "It's time for somebody to say it. It's not a matter of vengeance. It's not a matter of being mean or spiteful.
Relationship with the Media
Robinson has had a rocky relationship with the media, often accusing them of misrepresenting his views and taking his statements out of context. He has called out the media for an editorial cartoon published including him.
Personal Life
Robinson is married to his wife, Yolanda Hill. Together, they have two children and two grandchildren. Aside from working in factory jobs, Robinson was also involved in his wife’s nonprofit Balanced Nutrition, which has faced scrutiny. The nonprofit owes over $100,000 to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services after failing to comply with several rules. His campaign has called the actions toward Balanced Nutrition unfair and politically motivated.
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