North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D) has rejected a debate with Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) in their gubernatorial race, citing the many controversial statements the GOP nominee has made throughout his career.
Stein campaign spokeswoman Kate Frauenfelder said in a statement that engaging with Robinson for a debate would only give him a platform to spread “his vile and dangerous rhetoric.”
“Mark Robinson has spent his entire public life spewing hate, lying about his record, and spreading dangerous and false conspiracy theories. A debate would only serve to legitimize him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric, and we won’t be part of that,” Frauenfelder said.
Stein had previously indicated he expected he would debate Robinson but stayed noncommittal, while Robinson had been pressing Stein for debates and already agreed to participate in one with Spectrum News. He challenged Stein to a debate directly in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday.
Robinson has rallied enthusiasm among those on the right as a fierce defender of gun rights and close ally to former President Trump, but his career has also been marked by controversy surrounding a wide range of comments he has made concerning numerous groups.
He has described homosexuality and “transgenderism” as “filth,” called Muslims “invaders” and made derogatory comments about Jews and Black voters who support Democrats. He has also referred to abortion as “murder” and “genocide,” though he has seemingly softened his stance on the issue during the campaign.
Stein’s campaign has gone after Robinson particularly on the issue of abortion, accusing him of being an extremist.
Robinson’s campaign slammed Stein’s decision on the debate, arguing it is not fair to North Carolina voters.