North Carolina Lieutenant Governor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson was hospitalized on Friday evening after suffering second-degree burns at a campaign event.
The incident occurred while Robinson was attending the Mayberry Truck Show in Mount Airy, North Carolina. According to his campaign, Robinson accidentally touched an exhaust pipe, resulting in the burns. He was treated at Northern Regional Hospital in Mount Airy.
Condition and Campaign Response
Robinson's campaign spokesperson, Mike Lonergan, stated that the lieutenant governor is in 'good spirits' and appreciates the outpouring of well wishes. Despite the injury, Robinson is expected to return to the campaign trail as scheduled.
Recent Controversies
This incident comes on the heels of a recent controversy surrounding Robinson. A CNN report published on September 19 alleged that Robinson had posted racist and sexually explicit comments on an online message board between 2008 and 2012. The report led to the resignation of several senior campaign staff members and a loss of support among some Republican leaders.
Despite these allegations, Robinson has denied writing the messages and has hired a law firm to investigate. He has also vowed to continue his gubernatorial campaign, stating that the election is about policies, not personalities.
Campaign and Endorsements
Robinson is running against Democratic gubernatorial nominee Josh Stein, the current attorney general of North Carolina. Current Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is barred by term limits from running this fall. Robinson has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, although Trump has not mentioned Robinson in recent campaign events in North Carolina following the controversy.
