Attorney General Josh Stein and Lt. Governor Mark Robinson have officially been declared the winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries for North Carolina governor, just an hour after polls close in the Tar Heel State.
The Associated Press has called the governor’s Republican primary race for Robinson, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The AP also declared Stein the winner of the Democratic primary race for governor. Stein was was endorsed by Gov. Roy Cooper.
“Democrats have chosen a career politician who has been one of the most partisan left-wing activists in North Carolina as their nominee for Governor,” the NC Republican Party said in a statement shortly after the race was called. “North Carolina families want a Governor who will be on their side, not beholden to the woke liberal elite. North Carolina families want a Governor who puts their interests first, not those of radical Left special interests.”
As of 11 pm on Tuesday Stein is reported to have 69% of the Democrat primary vote. Meantime, Robinson has 65% of the Republican primary vote, followed by North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell at 19% and businessman Bill Graham at 16%. Graham entered the race late in the cycle putting millions of his own money in the race.
“I was committed to providing the necessary resources to effectively convey our positive message to voters, and we did that. Unfortunately, others decided not to do their part,” Graham said in a media statement released at 8pm on Tuesday.
Results of the primary election will continue to come in through the night on March 5. This is a developing story.