(CNN) – Mark Robinson, the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, received treatment for second-degree burns at Northern Regional Hospital “following an incident at a campaign event” in Mount Airy on Friday night, as reported by Mike Lonergan, the communications director for Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign.
Lonergan also stated that Robinson “is in good spirits, appreciates the outpouring of well-wishes, and is looking forward to returning to the campaign trail as planned tomorrow morning.”
According to a law enforcement source speaking to CNN, Robinson’s burns resulted from an accident at a car show, and there was no indication of foul play.
Robinson, who is the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, made several campaign appearances around the state on Friday, according to an earlier schedule and social media updates. His last stop was the Mayberry Truck Show and Parade in Mount Airy, where the incident took place.
The campaign has not released additional information about the incident.
NewsNation was the first to report on his hospitalization, which a source close to his campaign confirmed to CNN on Friday night.
Robinson’s hospitalization follows ongoing repercussions from CNN’s reporting concerning the lieutenant governor’s inflammatory remarks made on a pornography website.
Following these developments, numerous prominent Republicans have sought to distance themselves from Robinson, including former President Donald Trump, who did not mention Robinson during a recent campaign stop in North Carolina, although he had previously endorsed him.
Additionally, national Republican organizations have withdrawn financial backing from Robinson, and several of his campaign staff members have resigned, with his top aide also set to step down.
As the struggling candidate continues his campaign, a recent CNN poll indicates that Robinson is falling further behind in the race. The poll, released on Friday and conducted by SSRS after reports from CNN KFile, shows Democrat Josh Stein leading Robinson 53% to 36% among likely voters.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Josh Campbell and Kaanita Iyer contributed to this report.
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Hospitalization: Incident at Campaign Event
(CNN) – North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was treated for second-degree burns at Northern Regional Hospital “following an incident at a campaign event” in Mount Airy on Friday night, according to Mike Lonergan, communications director for the Robinson gubernatorial campaign.
Lonergan added in a statement that Robinson “is in good spirits, appreciates the outpouring of well wishes and is excited to return to the campaign trail as planned tomorrow morning.” This update on Robinson’s condition comes after he suffered burns during an unexpected accident at a car show event.
The Incident at the Car Show
According to sources familiar with the situation, Robinson’s injuries were not the result of foul play but rather an unfortunate accident. The incident occurred during the Mayberry Truck Show and Parade, the final stop on Robinson’s campaign trail for the day.
Details and Context of the Campaign Event
- Location: Mount Airy, North Carolina.
- Event: Mayberry Truck Show and Parade.
- Campaign Stopping Point: Multiple campaign stops occurred throughout Friday across the state.
The campaign has yet to provide additional details regarding the specifics of how the incident transpired, leaving many curious about the circumstances.
Robinson’s Political Challenges and Current Standing
This hospitalization comes amid ongoing scrutiny following CNN’s reporting about Robinson’s controversial comments on a pornography website. The backlash he faced has reportedly led many prominent Republicans to distance themselves from him, including former President Donald Trump, who did not mention Robinson during a recent campaign stop in North Carolina despite having previously endorsed him.
Falling Support from National Republicans
In light of recent controversies, national Republican groups have withdrawn financial support from Robinson’s campaign. Additionally, resignations from several core members of his team, including top aides, are being reported. This indicates a troubling trend as Robinson seeks to regain momentum.
Polling Data Reflecting Robinson’s Struggles
The situation appears to be impacting Robinson’s campaign significantly. A new CNN poll revealed that Democrat Josh Stein leads Robinson by a significant margin of 53% to 36% among likely voters. This suggests mounting difficulties for Robinson as he navigates both personal and political challenges.
Insights from the Poll
| Candidate | Support (%) |
|---|---|
| Josh Stein (Democrat) | 53% |
| Mark Robinson (Republican) | 36% |
This polling data underscores the uphill battle Robinson faces, compounded by both the fallout of recent revelations about his statements and the physical setback from his recent injury.
Robinson’s Reactions and Public Image
Despite the injuries and the political backlash, Robinson remains optimistic, stating that he is motivated to continue his campaign and engage with voters. He has expressed gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time.
Public Reactions and Statements
- Many supporters have taken to social media to voice their encouragement for Robinson’s recovery.
- Opposing candidates and political analysts have also taken note of Robinson’s situation, interpreting it as critical not just personally but also in terms of voter engagement.
Whether this incident will rally supporters or further alienate them remains to be seen, especially in light of the ongoing controversies surrounding his campaign.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Campaign Trail
As Robinson prepares to return to the campaign trail, the combination of physical recovery and addressing his recent controversies will be key to his political strategy moving forward. Many are watching closely to see how he will navigate these challenges as he attempts to secure a prominent position in North Carolina’s gubernatorial race.
Key Considerations Going Forward
- Robinson’s ability to effectively communicate his campaign message amid backlash.
- Re-engagement with both supporters and financial backers following the controversies.
- Strategies to improve polling numbers ahead of upcoming debates and public appearances.
As the situation continues to evolve, updates on both Robinson’s condition and political strategy will be critical for those invested in North Carolina’s gubernatorial election.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Josh Campbell and Kaanita Iyer contributed to this report.
