### Mark Robinson Trails in Gubernatorial Race Amid Scandal; Presidential Race Remains Close in North Carolina

Republican candidate Mark Robinson is significantly trailing in the North Carolina gubernatorial race following allegations of making lewd and racist comments, according to a recent Washington Post poll. Despite the turmoil surrounding Robinson's campaign, Republican enthusiasm for former President Donald Trump remains high as he faces off against Vice President Kamala Harris in a closely contested presidential race in the state.

The poll reveals that 50 percent of likely voters in North Carolina support Trump, with 48 percent backing Harris. This narrow gap falls within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, echoing Trump's slim 1.3-percentage-point victory margin in the state during the 2020 election. North Carolina, a traditionally Republican stronghold, last favored a Democratic presidential nominee in 2008 when Barack Obama narrowly won the state.

In the gubernatorial race, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein holds a commanding lead over Robinson, with 54 percent of likely voters supporting Stein compared to Robinson's 38 percent. A noticeable 8 percent of voters are undecided or plan not to vote in the gubernatorial election, including 15 percent of Republicans. Stein enjoys a favorable view among 46 percent of registered voters, while 27 percent view him unfavorably and 26 percent have no opinion. Conversely, Robinson's unfavorable ratings are high, with 52 percent of voters holding a negative view and only 30 percent viewing him favorably.

Turnout motivation is robust across party lines, with 93 percent of registered Republicans and Democrats expressing certainty that they will vote. An overwhelming 84 percent of Republicans and 78 percent of Democrats report being extremely motivated. Despite Robinson's scandals, which have left 41 percent of voters convinced of his inappropriate comments, Republican loyalty to Trump remains steadfast.

The state's stance on abortion stands to impact voter preferences, with 59 percent of voters favoring legal abortion in most cases. Robinson’s firm opposition to abortion and his extreme comments have been a significant factor for 37 percent of voters, while 32 percent of respondents consider Stein's pro-abortion rights stance pivotal.

North Carolina voters prioritize issues such as protecting democracy, the economy, and crime and safety in their presidential vote. Trump is perceived as more competent in handling the economy and crime, while voters are split on his and Harris’s capabilities in protecting democracy. On immigration, Trump leads Harris by 17 points, though voters are nearly evenly divided on which candidate would better manage healthcare and help middle-class voters.

Geographically, Trump enjoys strong support in North Carolina's western, piedmont, and central regions, while Harris leads in urban counties like Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle. A significant portion of Trump's 2020 voters are backing him again, with similar loyalty among Biden’s supporters for Harris.

The poll also highlights that over half of North Carolina voters believe President Biden won the 2020 election fairly, despite persistent, debunked claims of voter fraud. Confidence in the state's vote-counting accuracy is moderately high, with 77 percent of voters expressing some level of trust.

These findings underscore the critical dynamics at play as North Carolina emerges as a key battleground in both the gubernatorial and presidential races. As election day nears, the candidates' ability to address pivotal issues and motivate their respective bases will be crucial.