CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Democrat Josh Stein beat Republican Mark Robinson in North Carolina’s gubernatorial election on Thursday, NBC News projects, landing the critical swing state's top job.
The two state leaders had expressed dramatically different political views.
Current Governor Roy Cooper wasn't running this time because he is term-limited under the North Carolina State Constitution. Governors and lieutenant governors are elected every four years, with a two-term limit.
The incumbent governor endorsed Stein.
Robinson had a big endorsement, as well: Former President Donald Trump. However, Trump has worked to publicly distance himself from Robinson following the release of a CNN report that detailed comments Robinson allegedly made on a pornography website in 2008 and 2012.
The report sparked pressure for Robinson to withdraw from the race but he refused to do so. The deadline has now passed for candidates to withdraw.
Robinson posted a video on X, just before the story aired in September, claiming it was "outrageous lies" from Josh Stein's campaign. He continues to deny writing the posts, which contain racist and sexually explicit content.
The denials did not stop several of his staff members from resigning.
His decision to keep campaigning might threaten GOP outcomes in other key races in North Carolina, including Trump's efforts to beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the battleground state.
Trump has won North Carolina twice.
Robinson conceded the race to Stein late Tuesday night.
WCNC Charlotte will have live election coverage of all the local and statewide elections starting at 7 p.m. on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5 on streaming on WCNC+, and all election results can be found by texting the word ELECTION to 704-329-3600 or going to WCNC Charlotte's election page.