GOP Targets Illegal Immigration in North Carolina Governor's Race

Republicans have kicked off a major ad campaign in North Carolina, focusing on illegal immigration as they aim to win the governor's seat in this critical battleground state. The Republican Governors Association (RGA) unveiled a seven-figure campaign on Wednesday, targeting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Josh Stein over his stance on sanctuary cities.

• Ad Campaign Focus: The RGA’s video, titled “Weak,” attacks Stein, currently North Carolina’s Attorney General, for claiming there are “no sanctuary cities” in the state. The ad juxtaposes Stein’s statements with remarks from Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons, who highlighted instances of counties not cooperating with federal immigration authorities, leading to the release of criminal illegal immigrants, including a sex offender.

• Sanctuary City Debate: This issue has been a hot topic in North Carolina, with the Republican-controlled legislature attempting to pass a bill that would mandate sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Although the bill stalled due to disagreements over its language, the proposed legislation would have required sheriffs to detain suspects for federal immigration authorities upon request.

• Republican Stance: Mark Robinson, the Republican Lt. Governor running against Stein, expressed his support for the stalled bill, criticizing Stein for his ambiguous stance. Robinson emphasized that Stein's history suggests he supports left-wing sheriffs who refuse to enforce immigration laws, questioning Stein’s commitment to law and order.

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, several North Carolina counties, including Orange, Durham, Mecklenburg, Wake, Buncombe, and Forsyth, have policies that hinder federal immigration authorities. This issue is central to the tight race between Stein and Robinson, with Stein holding a narrow 0.2% lead in an average of polls.

The gubernatorial race is seen as crucial, with implications for the state’s direction on immigration and law enforcement policies. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump maintains a five-point lead over President Joe Biden in North Carolina, which he won in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

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