Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, head of GOP governors, pulls Mark Robinson endorsement

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has officially retracted his endorsement of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's gubernatorial campaign, a move that comes in light of troubling reports regarding Robinson's past comments on pornographic websites. After making headlines for making racist and salacious remarks, Robinson's political future has become uncertain, with Lee's spokesperson confirming the withdrawal of support. This decision marks a substantial departure from Lee's earlier backing, which he provided shortly after Robinson won the North Carolina primary in March.

The governor was scheduled to attend a fundraising event for Robinson, but that event has since been canceled, highlighting the growing concerns within the GOP regarding Robinson's viability as a candidate. Additionally, the Republican Governor's Association has halted further ad placements in North Carolina, indicating a strategic retreat from supporting Robinson's campaign. An explosive CNN report detailed Robinson's inflammatory comments, including self-identifying as a "black NAZI" and discussing slavery in graphic terms. These revelations have prompted resignations from staffers within Robinson's campaign, further complicating his bid for governor. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the Republican Party's positioning in North Carolina.