North Carolina GOP Governor Primary: A Battle of Funds and Ideologies

The North Carolina GOP Governor Primary of 2024 is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with several candidates vying for the opportunity to represent their party in the upcoming general election. Among the leading contenders are Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Treasurer Dale Folwell, and Salisbury-based trial lawyer Bill Graham.

Robinson, who has been a popular figure within the GOP base and is aligned with former President Donald Trump, has once again proven his fundraising prowess. According to campaign finance reports due at the State Board of Elections, Robinson’s campaign raised close to $3.4 million for the second half of 2023. This impressive figure brings his total fundraising since early 2021 to a substantial $9.9 million. With nearly $4.3 million in cash on hand, Robinson appears to be a formidable contender.

However, Graham, who is also seeking the Republican nomination, has used his personal fortune to compete with Robinson in the monetary arena. Graham, who had previously announced that he would invest “at least $5 million of his own resources” in the campaign, had loaned his campaign $2.8 million of the $2.9 million it had collected through Dec. 31. This substantial investment has allowed Graham to run television advertising statewide and position himself as a serious contender.

Graham’s campaign has focused on Robinson’s past comments and social media postings addressing LGBTQ+ people and the role of women. Graham’s supporters, including U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., have criticized Robinson for his harsh comments, raising questions about his ability to win in a November matchup.

Robinson, in turn, has attacked Graham for his litigation involving hog farm operations in eastern North Carolina. Robinson argues that local farmers were punished in the litigation, while Graham rejects these accusations.

Another Republican candidate, State Treasurer Dale Folwell, reported raising $111,900 in the second half of 2023 and had almost $1.3 million in cash entering January. Folwell’s campaign has largely focused on his experience as a fiscal conservative and his commitment to reducing government spending.

On the Democratic side, Attorney General Josh Stein’s gubernatorial campaign had an overwhelming monetary advantage over his primary rivals. Stein raised $5.7 million in the last six months of 2023 and had almost $11.5 million in cash entering January. His campaign has taken in $16.9 million since early 2021.

The North Carolina GOP Governor Primary is not just a battle of funds but also a clash of ideologies. Robinson, Folwell, and Graham each bring unique perspectives to the table, and the outcome of the primary could have significant implications for the future of North Carolina politics.

As the March 5 primaries approach, the candidates will continue to campaign and make their cases to voters. The race is sure to be closely watched, and the results could set the stage for the general election later this year.

In conclusion, the North Carolina GOP Governor Primary of 2024 is a fascinating contest, with several strong candidates vying for the opportunity to represent their party. The race is not only a battle of funds but also a clash of ideologies, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of North Carolina politics. As the candidates continue to campaign and make their cases to voters, the primary is sure to be closely watched and hotly contested.