Robinson leads competition in GOP bid for NC gov in new poll

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson comes out with a significant lead in a hypothetical primary GOP race for governor. In a Civitas poll done by Survey USA, 43% of registered Republicans polled picked Robinson, compared to former Congressman Mark Walker, who got 9%, followed by State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler at 8%. State Treasurer Dale Folwell polled in last place with 4% of respondents.

Robinson and Folwell are the only ones who have declared their candidacy thus far for the 2024 primary.

There may still be some hope for Folwell and other candidates, as polling suggests many are undecided, including 42% of women and 31% of men.

“Mark Robinson’s lead in the gubernatorial race is roughly correlative with his strong name recognition and favorability among likely GOP primary voters,” said John Locke Foundation President Donald Bryson. “However, with over a third of voters still undecided, there is still time for other candidates to make their case to voters over the next 10 months.” 

When asked their opinion of Robinson, 44% gave a favorable opinion, compared to 8% unfavorable, 26% neutral, and 22% with no opinion. Comparably, Walker had 21% favorable, 7% unfavorable, 32% neutral, and 40% with no opinion. Troxler had 23% favorability, 7% unfavorable, 33% neutral, and 37% with no opinion. Folwell rounded out the list with 9% of those polled with favorable results, 9% unfavorable, 37% neutral, and 44% no opinion. 

The poll also looked at the 2024 Attorney General Republican Primary race. Former N.C. House member, state prosecutor, and JAG officer Tom Murry had the lead with 17% of the vote compared to N.C. Chamber of Commerce General Counsel Ray Starling with 10%. Starling also served as general counsel for former House Speaker Thom Tillis, and later served as Tillis’ chief of staff in the U.S. Senate. A whopping 73% were still undecided in that race.

In the 2024 State Labor Commissioner race for the GOP nomination, Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, had the lead with 16% over Rep. Ben Moss, R-Richmond, with 12%. Again, a majority of those polled, 72%, were still undecided.