RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former President donald trump Endorsing North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson For governor Saturday, months after the former president made that promise.
At a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the former president also compared Robinson, who is Black, to famous civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He called Robinson “Martin Luther King on steroids.”
President Trump compared Robinson to the legendary civil rights leader, saying, “I think you're better than Martin Luther King Jr.; I think you're better than Dr. King. I think you're better than Dr. King. I think you're better than Dr. King. I think you're better than Dr. Martin Luther King. I think you're better than Martin Luther King, Jr. I think you're better than Martin Luther King, Jr. I think you're better than Martin Luther King, Jr. I think you're better than Martin Luther King, Jr. I think you're better than Dr. Martin Luther King. I think you're better than Dr. Martin Luther King.'' You're twice as good as Martin Luther King. think. ”
“You're going to love it,” Trump said.
President Trump listed Robinson among several candidates for people to vote for. Tuesday's North Carolina Republican primary “They have my full and complete support.” Trump is also on the primary ballot, nearly eliminating his last remaining rival, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, from the race for the Republican nomination. Trying to.
Despite a lack of formal endorsement, Robinson's support from the former president, combined with his strong fundraising and popularity among the Republican base, made him the front-runner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Mr. Robinson's main rivals, state Treasurer Dale Falwell and trial attorney Bill Graham, have said that Mr. Robinson is likely to win the November general election, especially given his harsh comments on LGBTQ+ rights and other issues. I have doubts about my ability to win.
President Trump called Robinson, who also spoke at Saturday's rally, an “incredible gentleman” and “a great, gifted speaker.” President Trump recalled, with some inaccuracies, how Robinson rose to fame. 2018 speech Spread the word to the Greensboro City Council in support of gun rights and police.
This led to Robinson becoming a board member of the National Rifle Association, and in 2020, in his first run for public office, he was elected as the state's first Black lieutenant governor.
Robinson, a Greensboro native, said in a news release that he is “humbled” to receive President Trump's endorsement, adding, “Trump will help us lead a united Republican front to victory in November and get our state and country back on track.” We look forward to working with them.” ”
Voters will also choose the Democratic gubernatorial candidate on Tuesday. The field also includes Attorney General Josh Stein and former state Supreme Court Associate Justice Mike Morgan.Term-limited Democratic Governor Roy Cooper support stein months ago.
State Democratic Party Chairman Anderson Clayton said the support was not surprising. North Carolina doesn't need a Robinson leader who “prioritizes a job-killing culture war that will set our state back,” she added in a news release.
Statewide elections are typically close in the nation's ninth largest state.
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Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.