In a highly anticipated primary election, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has emerged as the winner of the Republican primary for governor, according to projections by CBS News. Robinson, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2021, gained the endorsement of former President Donald Trump over the weekend, with Trump calling him "Martin Luther King on steroids." Robinson, who would be the first Black governor of North Carolina if elected, has garnered attention for his pro-gun rights stance and controversial comments on LGBTQ+ issues.

The race for the governor's mansion is expected to be closely watched and expensive, with Robinson set to face off against North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who won the Democratic primary on Tuesday night. Stein, who would be the state's first Jewish governor if elected, has focused on continuing Gov. Roy Cooper's agenda of increasing public education funding and promoting clean energy industries.

The general election in North Carolina is expected to be a battleground state in 2024, with Robinson embracing the MAGA Republican playbook pushed by Trump and Stein likely aligning with President Biden. Robinson's opponents have raised concerns about his electability in the general election due to his rhetoric and comments on social media. However, Robinson, a favorite of the GOP base, has received strong support from Trump and has positioned himself as a candidate who will prioritize accountability in education and teaching students the basics.

With the gubernatorial race heating up in North Carolina, voters will have a crucial decision to make in November that could have implications for the broader political landscape in the state. As the campaign unfolds, both Robinson and Stein will be vying for the support of voters in a state that has seen a shift towards Republicans in recent years, despite Democrats maintaining dominance in the governor's mansion. The battle for the governor's mansion in North Carolina is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the country, with implications for both state and national politics.