Meet the three GOP hopefuls for NC governor in 2024

North Carolina Republicans haven't occupied the governor's mansion since 2016. They're hoping 2024 will be their year to win it back with one of the three candidates GOP voters will find this year on their primary ballot.

Of the three, Treasurer Dale Folwell has been in state government the longest. He's won two statewide races for state treasurer. Before that, he served four terms in the state House. He also ran the state unemployment office for nearly two years under the state's last Republican governor, Pat McCrory.

As the state treasurer, Folwell currently oversees the state health plan and the state pension fund. He says he’s the most electable candidate in the field.

"I have a reputation of saving lives, saving minds and saving money, and more importantly, actually governing," Folwell said. "Explaining conservatism without offending people. And my ballot strength is stronger than any other candidate in this field because in the last two presidential elections, I have received more votes than Donald Trump did."

The second candidate is Bill Graham, an attorney and small business owner from Salisbury.

Graham has never held elected office, but has been involved in politics. He ran in the 2008 GOP gubernatorial primary, but lost to former Gov. Pat McCrory. He also campaigned for instituting voter ID and capping the state gas tax some years ago.

Graham says he’s the only candidate who’s created a job or run a business.

"I want to bring a conservative future to North Carolina," Graham told WRAL News. "And that's one where the economy is strong — our growth rate has slowed down to about 1% now — where we have safe streets and safe communities and safe schools, and one where we’re educating children, not indoctrinating them."

The third candidate is Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. He had never held public office before being elected in 2020 as the state’s first black lieutenant governor. He’s become nationally known for inflammatory comments aimed at women, the Jewish community and LGBTQ people.

Robinson declined to be interviewed for this story. On Feb. 22 at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C., he blamed the media for casting him and his comments in a negative light.

"When I hear a politician, an elected official, say, ‘Well, you know, I don't want to speak about that issue because it might affect my reelection campaign,’ I have no use for you," Robinson exhorted the crowd. "You stand on the shoulders of young men and women who, when it was time to face down the enemy, were willing to give their lives for you. You stand as a coward."

If Robinson, who holds a substantial lead in the polls, wins the GOP primary, he will be the first Black gubernatorial nominee in North Carolina from either major political party.

Election Day is March 5. Early voting is open through 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2.