Head of GOP governors group pulls endorsement of Mark Robinson in North Carolina

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is withdrawing his support for embattled North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, reversing a previous endorsement for his gubernatorial bid, following reporting on the salacious and racist remarks Robinson is accused of making on pornographic websites prior to his political career.

"Gov. Lee is no longer supporting Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's gubernatorial bid," Lee spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson told The Tennessean, a USA TODAY Network partner, in an email on Monday.

Lee had been scheduled to travel to North Carolina this week for a previously scheduled fundraiser for Robinson, but Lee's office confirmed Friday that the $500 per ticket event was canceled.

Lee's decision is a reversal from an endorsement he made as chair of the Republican Governor's Association in March, shortly after Robinson won the gubernatorial primary.

"North Carolina families want someone whose conservative policies will deliver results by expanding opportunity, security and freedom. From investing in safe neighborhoods to driving economic prosperity, Mark Robinson will put the people of North Carolina first," Lee said in a statement at the time.

The RGA's current ad buy in North Carolina will expire Tuesday, and no further placements have been made, a spokesperson said Monday, according to multiple media reports.

An explosive CNN report last week detailed numerous inflammatory remarks Robinson made on social media and pornographic websites before becoming involved in politics. According to CNN’s reporting, Robinson years ago declared himself a “black NAZI!”, made comments supporting slavery sharing that “I would certainly buy a few,” and shared graphic sexual fantasies and stories in comments made on the pornographic website “Nude Africa” between 2008 and 2012.

Robinson has denied ever having made the comments, denouncing them as “salacious tabloid trash” leaked by his Democratic opponent North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. He has vowed not to drop out of the race.

“You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before,” Robinson said in a video Thursday.

An email address belonging to Robinson was also previously registered with Ashley Madison, a website for married people seeking affairs, Politico reported Thursday. Robinson’s campaign denies that he ever created or used the account.

Several top staffers for Robinson's campaign resigned over the weekend, Politico reported.

The Republican Governor's Association did not respond to The Tennessean's request for comment on the matter.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at [email protected] or on X @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: GOP governor leader pulls endorsement for Mark Robinson in NC