Mark Walker runs for NC governor.

Former Rep. Mark Walker Announces Run for North Carolina Governor

Former Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) has announced his candidacy for governor in North Carolina, positioning himself as the GOP’s best chance to regain control of the governor’s mansion after Gov. Roy Cooper (D) leaves office in 2024.

A Familiar Face in North Carolina Politics

Walker is a well-known figure in North Carolina, having served in the House representing the state’s 6th Congressional District from 2015 to 2021. He opted not to run for reelection in 2020 after redistricting shifted the district’s boundaries to favor Democrats. He later ran for the GOP nomination for North Carolina’s open Senate seat last year, finishing third in the primary contest.

A High-Profile Primary in the Works

Walker’s candidacy sets the stage for a potential high-profile primary against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is widely considered to be the front-runner in the race. However, Walker has criticized Robinson’s controversial comments and deemed him unelectable, stating that he would cost Republicans the seat. Robinson remains popular among Republicans and has already been endorsed by several top lawmakers in the state, including Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC).

Abortion Takes Center Stage

Abortion could play a significant role in the 2024 election cycle, particularly as the issue has been heating up debate among state legislators in recent days. The GOP-led legislature voted to override a veto from Cooper earlier this week to implement an abortion ban after the first trimester. The issue was also a major flashpoint in the 2022 midterm elections, and Democrats seized on it to boost their party’s candidates in several states. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, who is also running for the seat, has vowed to fight the new abortion law.

Walker’s Religious Background Shapes His Policies

Walker released a video announcement declaring his candidacy on Saturday, highlighting his experience as a pastor and how his religious background would shape his policies. He has described himself as “100% pro-life” but argues that lawmakers must focus on providing resources for mothers and babies after birth, not just on the procedure itself. Robinson has also taken a hard stance on abortion, supporting a statewide ban in all cases.

• Walker is running for governor in North Carolina, positioning himself as the GOP’s best chance to regain control of the governor’s mansion.
• He is a well-known figure in North Carolina politics, having served in the House representing the state’s 6th Congressional District from 2015 to 2021.
• Abortion could play a significant role in the 2024 election cycle, particularly as the issue has been heating up debate among state legislators in recent days.
• Walker’s religious background shapes his policies, and he argues that lawmakers must focus on providing resources for mothers and babies after birth, not just on the procedure itself.

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