Overview

• Mark Robinson, North Carolina's GOP gubernatorial candidate, faces backlash over alleged racist and sexist comments on a pornography forum.
• Robinson's scandal has led to the resignation of several top campaign staff and the withdrawal of financial support from the Republican Governors Association.
• Donald Trump, who previously endorsed Robinson, has distanced himself from the embattled candidate amid the growing controversy.
• Political analysts are divided on whether Robinson's troubles will significantly affect Trump's narrow lead in North Carolina against Kamala Harris.
• North Carolina's history of ticket-splitting means voters may still support Trump for president while rejecting Robinson for governor.