Republicans launch seven-figure ad campaign in North Carolina attacking Democrat Josh Stein on immigration

The Republican Governors Association announced it is launching an initial seven-figure ad campaign attacking Democratic North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein on illegal immigration.

The ad, titled “Weak,” features Stein, who is running to be the state’s next governor, stating in a media interview, “There are no sanctuary cities in North Carolina.” It then features a slide that says “Josh Stein is lying to you.”

Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons, a Republican, then says, “Here is the truth: Several North Carolina counties are refusing to cooperate with deportation officials.”

The ad continues, showing mug shots and stating, “All of these criminal illegal aliens were released back on the street, including a sex offender.” The 30-second spot features Stein twice saying, “I just don’t think it’s real,” though no context is given.

Simmons then says, “Trust me, the threat is very real.”

The RGA said in a statement, “‘Weak’ exposes Josh Stein for lying to North Carolina families as he claims there are ‘no sanctuary cities’ in North Carolina when the reality is that counties across North Carolina are taking dangerous stands and refusing to cooperate with immigration officials.”

Stein is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to be the state’s next governor. The race is one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races in the country.

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There are no sanctuary cities in North Carolina because then-Republican Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill into law in 2015 outlawing such places. However, the state does not force local officials to comply with federal immigration officials, which lawmakers have recently addressed.

The Washington Examiner reached out to Stein’s campaign about the ad but did not receive a response.