North Carolina could host record-setting $100 million governor’s race in 2024
Cami Mondeaux
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North Carolina could witness its most expensive governor’s race in history in 2024 as Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) lays the groundwork for a gubernatorial bid that his campaign predicts may cost $100 million.
In a fundraising email sent to supporters on Monday, Robinson’s campaign projected the team could spend an unprecedented amount on the governor’s race, noting it’s expected that the “governor’s race will be the most expensive we have ever seen.” Robinson has not yet declared his intent to run in 2024, but the current lieutenant governor has hinted an announcement may not be far off.
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“I am honored by the support and look forward to the people of North Carolina continuing to get to know me, my background, and my vision for the state,” Robinson said in a statement earlier this month.
It’s not clear how likely it is that the governor’s race will surpass $100 million, but recent elections indicate it is not out of the question.
Candidates and political action committees spent roughly $70 million during the 2020 gubernatorial election between Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Dan Forest, according to data analyzed by Longleaf Politics. The 2016 governor’s race was similarly expensive, with candidates and committees spending roughly $60 million throughout the campaign cycle.
That recent spending is a jump from previous elections when campaigns spent only about $20 million in 2012, according to the Center for Public Integrity.
North Carolina is no stranger to expensive elections, as its Senate races typically rake in tens of millions of dollars. In fact, the 2020 Senate race in the Tar Heel State between Sen. Thom Tillis (R) and Democrat Cal Cunningham reportedly saw a record-setting $300 million spent.
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Governor’s races don’t usually see the same level of spending as Senate elections, which typically attract national groups. A $100 million topline in 2024 would be a significant total for the non-federal statewide election.
If he becomes the GOP nominee, Robinson is expected to face Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein for the governor’s mansion. Stein has not yet declared his intent to run but is expected to vie to replace the outgoing Cooper, who is stepping down from office due to term limits.