Leading NC gubernatorial candidates raise millions ahead of 2024 election

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – In what’s expected to be the most competitive race for governor in the country in 2024, new reports filed with the NC State Board of Elections show the leading candidates in the race raised millions of dollars in the second half of last year.

Candidates were required to submit their latest fundraising reports by last Friday.

Attorney General Josh Stein, the leading Democrat in the race, reported earlier this month that he raised $5.7 million between July and December last year and had about $11.5 million in cash on hand going into 2024, which Stein’s campaign noted is a new record in a North Carolina governor’s race. It brings his fund raising total this cycle to nearly $17 million.

“Headed into 2024, their support puts us in a uniquely strong position to make clear to voters in every corner of the state the stark choice they have in this election: someone who fights for them or someone who fights the culture wars,” Stein’s campaign manager Jeff Allen said in a statement.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who has led on the Republican side, raised almost $3.4 million during the second half of 2023 and had about $4.3 million in cash on hand. He’s raised nearly $10 million this cycle, the report states.

While Robinson’s fundraising has lagged behind Stein’s, his campaign noted he has raised more than any other Republican at this point in a gubernatorial election cycle in North Carolina.

“This race will be one of the most hotly contested elections in the country this year, and could be the most expensive governor’s race this cycle. From record-breaking fundraising to consistent leads in nearly every major poll for both the primary and general elections, Lt. Gov. Robinson is in a strong position to flip the North Carolina governor’s office Republican,” said Conrad Pogorzelski III, senior adviser and general consultant for Robinson’s campaign.

With Republicans currently holding a supermajority in the General Assembly, the governor’s race will be key in determining how easily GOP leadership can continue enacting their agenda in 2025, as leading Democrats are doubtful of their ability to flip control of either chamber. Republicans have exactly enough seats to override vetoes by Gov. Cooper.

“I think it will ultimately come down as the most expensive gubernatorial race in North Carolina history, and I think it will probably be bumping against one of the most expensive in the history of the United States,” said Chris Cooper, an expert on state politics at Western Carolina University. “It’s just prominent candidates, swing state during a presidential election year. It’s a perfect recipe for big money.”

While polling indicates substantial leads for Robinson and Stein in their respective primaries, they do face challengers.

On the Republican side, attorney Bill Graham has committed at least $5 million of his own money to the race. He’s been running ads on television since the fall. This month, he began his attacks on Robinson over the lieutenant governor’s past comments regarding Jews and the Holocaust.

Treasurer Dale Folwell is also seeking the GOP nomination for governor. He reported having about $1.27 million on hand, which includes a $1 million loan to the campaign.

Stein has the backing of current Gov. Roy Cooper (D) who cannot run for a third term. He faces a few other candidates in the primary including former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan, Gary Foxx, Marcus Williams and Chrelle Booker.

The primary election is on March 5. Mail-in ballots have already begun being sent to voters who request them. In-person early voting begins Feb. 15.

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