Durham, N.C. – Major Resignations Hit Robinson’s Campaign for Governor
In a significant turn of events, most of the senior staff members on Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor of North Carolina resigned on Sunday. This unexpected shake-up comes in the wake of serious allegations against Robinson following a report detailing disturbing comments he allegedly made on a pornographic website.
High-Profile Departures from the Campaign Team
The resignations included prominent figures such as Conrad Pogorzelski III, Robinson’s top campaign consultant, who had been a steadfast ally since Robinson’s first run for lieutenant governor four years ago. Pogorzelski confirmed his resignation through a text message, stating that he and seven other campaign staff members stepped down “on our own accord.” This decision indicates a collective disapproval of Robinson and the ongoing situation surrounding him.
Also among the resigning members were Chris Rodriguez, the campaign manager; Heather Whillier, the finance director; and Jason Rizk, the deputy campaign manager. The departures also included political directors John Kontoulas and Jackson Lohrer, as well as the operations director, Patrick Riley. This group of resignations leaves a substantial gap in Robinson’s campaign strategy, especially with the election less than 50 days away.
Allegations and Public Backlash
Robinson, a well-known figure in North Carolina and a supporter of former President Trump, has been at the center of controversy for some time. The CNN report, which ignited the latest wave of criticism, revealed shocking statements allegedly made by Robinson on the adult site. According to the report, he had referred to himself as a “black NAZI” and expressed unsettling views regarding slavery, as well as his interest in transgender pornography. Robinson also recounted troubling experiences from his youth where he claimed to have “gone peeping” on women in gym showers.
These allegations have drawn widespread condemnation not just from opposition parties but within the Republican Party as well. Despite the mounting pressure, Robinson has denied posting the comments and has disregarded calls from some Republicans to exit the race—a move that could potentially lessen the fallout from these accusations.
A Campaign in Turmoil
The sudden departure of key campaign personnel is certain to create further complications for Robinson’s gubernatorial ambitions. A strong and dependable campaign team is crucial, especially during the final stages of a race. Given the high-profile nature of these resignations and the serious allegations against him, Robinson’s campaign now faces an uphill battle.
Political experts say that these resignations could hinder his ability to connect with voters and effectively present his platform. The news of his past comments is circulating widely and has the potential to taint public perception, particularly among moderate Republicans and undecided voters.
What Comes Next?
As the election draws closer, it remains to be seen how Robinson will rebuild his campaign and respond to these unfolding events. The loss of trusted advisors and campaign leaders means he must quickly reassess his strategy and find new individuals to fill crucial roles.
In North Carolina, where the campaign landscape is often unpredictable, Robinson’s next moves will be watched closely. The implications of his past statements and the impact of his staff’s resignations could resonate long after the election, influencing both his political career and the atmosphere within the Republican Party in the state.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
