The recent revelations regarding North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s alleged past posts on a pornography website’s message board have thrown his campaign for governor into turmoil. Several staffers have resigned, and the conservative base is grappling with what this means for both the upcoming election and the broader conservative movement. While Robinson has denied the allegations and called them “salacious tabloid lies,” this controversy raises important questions about his fitness for office, particularly in a time when conservative values are under intense scrutiny.

Character Matters in Leadership

Character is not an optional attribute in leadership—it is foundational. The allegations against Robinson, which include disturbing comments about Hitler, Martin Luther King Jr., and transgender pornography, cannot simply be brushed aside as a liberal smear campaign without addressing the substance of the charges. Even if these accusations are from over a decade ago, they reflect a deep moral and ethical breach that runs contrary to the values conservatives claim to uphold.

While forgiveness and redemption are core Christian principles, they hinge on genuine repentance and a demonstration of transformed character. Robinson’s response has largely been to deny the allegations rather than acknowledge any wrongdoing, which makes it difficult for many conservatives to offer the benefit of the doubt. Deflecting responsibility and dismissing serious accusations as baseless media attacks does little to restore trust. In the eyes of many, a refusal to take accountability may be just as damaging as the initial allegations.

The Political Fallout

Robinson’s rise to prominence in North Carolina politics was fueled by his bold rhetoric and unapologetic stances on hot-button issues like abortion, gun rights, and religious freedom. However, the recent controversy highlights a troubling pattern that was evident long before these allegations surfaced. Robinson has made inflammatory statements in the past, from minimizing the horrors of the Holocaust to making disparaging remarks about women’s right to vote. While some conservatives appreciated his bluntness as a refreshing break from political correctness, there is a line between plain-speaking and reckless provocation.

It is important to acknowledge that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior that raises serious questions about Robinson’s judgment and temperament. His past comments about preferring Hitler to Barack Obama and labeling civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. as “worse than a maggot” reflect an extreme worldview that is not only unbecoming of a political leader but potentially disqualifying in a state as politically diverse as North Carolina.

The Risk to the GOP

Perhaps the most pressing concern for Republicans is the potential damage Robinson’s candidacy could do to the party’s chances of winning the governor’s race in 2024. North Carolina is a critical battleground state, and the GOP cannot afford to be weighed down by a scandal-plagued candidate. While some conservative voters may appreciate Robinson’s firebrand style, his baggage is substantial and will likely alienate moderate voters, particularly women, independents, and minorities, who are key to winning statewide elections.

The pattern of nominating deeply flawed candidates with glaring personal issues has cost Republicans winnable races in the past. Figures like Todd Akin and Christine O’Donnell are stark reminders of how one candidate’s controversies can sink an entire election. Republicans cannot afford to make the same mistake in North Carolina, especially when a viable, mainstream alternative could easily defeat the Democratic candidate, Attorney General Josh Stein.

Conservative Values and Hypocrisy

One of the great ironies in this controversy is how it exposes a double standard in the conservative movement. Republicans have long criticized Democrats for their willingness to overlook the personal scandals of their own leaders, whether it’s Bill Clinton’s misconduct or John Edwards’ infidelity. Yet, when it comes to figures like Mark Robinson or Donald Trump, some conservatives are willing to turn a blind eye, dismissing any criticism as a left-wing attack or “fake news.”

This inconsistency undermines the credibility of the conservative movement, particularly among Christian voters who expect their leaders to live up to the moral standards they preach. If conservatives continue to support candidates like Robinson, they risk sending the message that character and integrity are negotiable when it comes to political expediency. This is not a message that resonates with the core principles of Christianity or conservatism.

The Need for Better Candidates

The controversy surrounding Robinson underscores the need for Republicans to be more discerning in selecting candidates. Robinson’s political rise may have been meteoric, but it was not without warning signs. His controversial comments were public knowledge well before he entered the race for governor, and yet the party chose to elevate him anyway. This speaks to a larger issue within the GOP, where bombast and loyalty to Trumpism are often prioritized over competence, character, and electability.

It’s not too late for North Carolina Republicans to course-correct. There are other qualified candidates in the race who do not carry the same baggage as Robinson and who are more likely to unite the party and appeal to a broader swath of voters. The GOP’s failure to do so could result in another self-inflicted defeat, much like the ones they’ve suffered in other key races where flawed candidates were chosen over more stable, electable options.

A Call for Accountability

In the end, conservatives must ask themselves whether supporting Mark Robinson is worth the potential cost. It’s not enough to simply champion conservative policies; the person advocating for them must also embody the principles of integrity, accountability, and moral leadership. Robinson’s track record and the recent allegations suggest that he may not be the right person to lead North Carolina at this critical juncture.

The Bible teaches that leadership is a high calling, one that requires both wisdom and a commitment to righteous living. If Robinson cannot rise to meet that standard, it may be time for conservatives to look elsewhere for leadership that reflects the values they hold dear. The GOP should prioritize candidates who can win with integrity, not those who bring unnecessary distractions and scandal to an already uphill political battle.

Conservatives must demand more from their leaders. The future of the movement—and the success of its political goals—depends on it.