At least four key members of Mark Robinson’s campaign staff resigned en masse, according to a press release issued by his campaign Sunday. The embattled candidate vowed to press on in his campaign for governor.
Stepping down were Conrad Pogorzelski III, Williams’ general consultant and senior adviser; Chris Rodriquez, his campaign manager; Heather Whillier, his finance director, and Jason Rizk, deputy campaign manager, according to the release. Pogorzelski managed Robinson’s successful 2020 campaign for lieutenant governor and had served as his chief of staff in that office.
The resignations come after CNN reported Thursday that Robinson referred to himself as a “black Nazi” on a pornographic website more than a decade ago. The CNN story also alleges Robinson made racist remarks about Martin Luther King Jr. and described himself as a “perv.” Robinson has denied making those statements.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Robinson’s campaign, referring to him as “Martin Luther King on steroids.” But Trump did not invite Robinson to his campaign rally Saturday in Wilmington, nor mention him during his speech.
Robinson says he will announce a new campaign staff soon. Election Day is Nov. 5.
“I appreciate the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away from the campaign, and I wish them well in their future endeavors. I look forward to announcing new staff roles in the coming days,” says Robinson in the release.
Robinson goes on to say he will remain in the campaign.
In a text message to Axios, Pogorzelski says those listed left on their “own accord.” He also told Axios that political director John Kontoulas, political director Jackson Lohrer and director of operations Patrick Riley had also resigned.
Robinson’s campaign did not respond to questions from Business North Carolina about the departures beyond sending the press release.
The release adds that “polls have consistently underestimated Republican support in North Carolina for several cycles now” and that “I am confident our campaign remains in a strong position.”
Some polls showed Robinson trailing Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein in the governor’s race by double digits even before Thursday’s CNN report.