Josh Stein won’t debate Mark Robinson after lieutenant governor posts X video calling for one

(WGHP) — A high-profile state race won’t take the debate stage.

On Tuesday morning, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson posted on X stating that his campaign has offered “multiple” dates for a potential debate against Attorney General Josh Stein, his Democratic opponent in the North Carolina gubernatorial race, but Stein’s campaign says it won’t happen.

The two are battling out to decide who will take over after Governor Roy Cooper’s term expires.

Polling has largely been in favor of Attorney General Stein, with some polls showing a double-digit lead for Stein .

“My opponent’s campaign is hiding behind millions of dollars in dishonest TV ads funded by liberal billionaires and left-wing special interests to tear me down. I won’t let that stop me from making my case to the voters for a better future for NC. My campaign has offered multiple dates to debate my opponent so the voters can decide for themselves. The question is, will @JoshStein_ agree to debate me?” Robinson wrote on his X account.

Kate Frauenfelder, a spokeswoman for Josh Stein for North Carolina, said  “Mark Robinson has spent his entire public life spewing hate, lying about his record, and spreading dangerous and false conspiracy theories. A debate would only serve to legitimize him and provide a platform for his vile and dangerous rhetoric, and we won’t be part of that.”

She also said that Stein has been “accessible through the campaign” and that they will be scheduling one-on-one interviews with various media outlets in the lead up to the election.

Robinson’s campaign spokesperson Michael Lonergan said they offered dates to Spectrum and that they are “waiting for Josh Stein to commit,” and have had conversations with other media outlets as well.

Robinson did not debate his opponents in the Republican primary.

Over the weekend, candidates in another race that has gained national attention, the North Carolina State Superintendent race, also took to the debate stage.

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