Josh Stein Archives - Page 2 of 3

Republicans make gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notch a few wins

Republicans running on the ballot underneath President-elect Donald Trump have made gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notched a few wins in an expensive battle for state power. The most notable change came in Michigan, where Republicans won back the House just two years after Democrats took full control of state government. Republicans also appear on track to force a tie in the Minnesota House, which had been led by Democrats. Both parties scored some incremental victories. Republicans ended Democrats’ veto-proof supermajority in Vermont, while Democrats appeared on track to do the same in North Carolina.… Continue Reading

Democrats gain another statewide position in North Carolina with Rachel Hunt victory

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The group of North Carolina elected executive branch positions known as the Council of State will have equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans come January. Democrats flipped the positions of lieutenant governor and superintendent of public instruction, while a Republican defeated the incumbent Democratic state auditor. Rachel Hunt’s victory for lieutenant governor capped other top Democratic wins, including Josh Stein for governor and Jeff Jackson for attorney general. Hunt is the daughter of former four-term Gov. Jim Hunt. Meanwhile, Republicans continued their recent dominance in appellate court races by winning three seats and leading narrowly in a fourth.… Continue Reading

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is elected as the state’s governor

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has been elected the state’s next governor. The Democrat defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson on Tuesday. His victory maintains Democratic leadership of the chief executive’s office in a state where the GOP has been in recent control of the legislature and the appeals courts. Stein will succeed Democrat Roy Cooper, who was term-limited from seeking reelection. Stein is a former state senator who was first elected attorney general in 2016. The son of a prominent civil rights lawyer, he will be North Carolina’s first Jewish governor. Democrats have resided in the governor’s mansion in Raleigh for all but four years since 1993.… Continue Reading

Embattled Republican candidate fights on in North Carolina governor’s race

ELLERBE, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina had been projected as the state with the most closely watched race for governor this fall. But advantages late in the race appear to favor Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein over Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Stein’s campaign has overwhelmed Robinson in fundraising, including a massive $44.6 million haul from July to mid-October. Stein’s coffers have been used for ads attacking Robinson for past inflammatory comments on abortion, women and other topics. And a September CNN report alleging Robinson made racial and sexual posts on a pornography website’s message board more than a decade ago shook his campaign. Robinson denies writing the posts and sued CNN for defamation.… Continue Reading

Trump repeats debunked claims about FEMA as he surveys storm damage in North Carolina

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is blasting federal emergency responders whose work in North Carolina has been stymied by armed harassment and a deluge of misinformation. But Trump said Monday that he was not concerned that the aftermath of Hurricane Helene would affect election results in the battleground state. Trump was asked whether it was helpful to criticize hurricane relief workers after the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently paused its work in the area because of reports they could be targeted by militia. He responded by again attacking the agency and repeating the falsehood that the response was hampered because FEMA spent its budget helping people who crossed the border illegally.… Continue Reading

Former porn shop worker wants defamation lawsuit by North Carolina lieutenant governor dismissed

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A former porn shop worker who was accused by North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of defamation has asked a court to throw out the lawsuit against him. Louis Love Money’s dismissal motion Wednesday contends Robinson’s lawsuit violates procedural rules and contains bizarre allegations. The Republican nominee for governor sued Money and CNN this week. Money alleged that Robinson once frequented porn shops where he worked and that Robinson purchased porn videos from him. CNN last month reported Robinson made explicit racial and sexual posts on a pornography website more than a decade ago. Robinson’ suit calls them “disgusting lies.”… Continue Reading

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson treated for burns after accidentally touching exhaust pipe

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson says he has been treated for burns he suffered when he accidentally touched an exhaust pipe at a truck show while campaigning for governor. The campaign says Robinson was attending the Mayberry Truck Show in Mount Airy on Friday evening when he was injured. A campaign spokesperson says he was treated at Northern Regional Hospital in Mount Airy for second-degree burns. The campaign pointed to a social media video in which Robinson said Saturday it happened when he was getting out of a truck during a show parade. He is running against Democrat Josh Stein for governor.… Continue Reading

Harris makes scandal-plagued Republican the star of her campaign to win North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — There’s an unlikely star in Kamala Harris’ fight to make history in North Carolina: Mark Robinson, the state’s scandal-plagued candidate for governor. As of this week, Robinson is featured in Harris volunteers’ conversations with voters on the phone and at the doorways. Democrats wave signs bearing his name at their press conferences. Billboard trucks circulate in key cities warning that he is “unhinged.” And Harris is running a statewide advertising campaign highlighting Robinson’s relationship with Donald Trump. No Democrat has carried this Southern state since former President Barack Obama in 2008. But polls now suggest the 2024 contest is razor-thin. Democrats are betting that the weight of Robinson’s baggage can tip the scales in Harris’ favor.… Continue Reading

North Carolina lieutenant governor names new chief aide as staff departures grow

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has quickly named his next chief of staff in his state government office. The move comes as a dozen of his government or gubernatorial campaign workers have quit after a CNN report alleging that he made racial and sexual comments on an online message board. Robinson said Thursday that he had elevated Deputy Chief of Staff Krishana Polite to become his next chief of staff. The current chief of staff confirmed he and three other workers are resigning effective next week. Robinson denies writing the online messages, and his campaign has hired a law firm to investigate.… Continue Reading