NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Faces Scrutiny Over Unpaid Travel Reimbursement and Absentee Record

North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson owes the state’s Highway Patrol nearly $14,000 in travel reimbursements, according to a recent press release from the left-leaning super PAC American Bridge. The PAC, known for its detailed research against Republican candidates, examined Robinson’s 2023 travel expenses and found that he reportedly claimed 22,000 campaign miles out of a total of 23,000 miles driven.

According to American Bridge, Robinson’s campaign committee “Friends for Mark Robinson” should have reimbursed the state at a rate of 65.5 cents per mile, totaling over $14,000. However, records show he has not yet paid back even $10,000 of this amount, as per State Board of Elections data.

“Once again, Mark Robinson is taking advantage of North Carolina taxpayers, just like he did with his family’s nonprofit, which now owes the state over $130,000,” said American Bridge spokesperson Philip Shulman. “It’s clear Mark Robinson is nothing more than a grifter who’s looking to become governor so he can rip off North Carolinians even more.”

Compounding the criticism, Robinson’s attendance record as lieutenant governor has become a focal point of contention. WUNC reported in September that Robinson has been notably absent from Senate sessions and board meetings where his presence is expected. North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell criticized Robinson’s record, calling him “the most absent elected official in my 16 years in Raleigh.”

Folwell detailed Robinson’s absenteeism, noting that he has rarely attended community college board meetings, despite the board hiring and firing two presidents during his tenure. Folwell added, “I rarely see him at the State Board of Education meetings, and you can look at what his attendance rate is on presiding over the Senate.”

Robinson’s absences and alleged unpaid reimbursements have sparked growing concerns about his commitment to public service. As he campaigns for the governor’s office, his record on accountability and attendance could prove problematic. American Bridge’s allegations suggest a pattern of financial mismanagement and non-payment, linking this issue to previous controversies surrounding a nonprofit affiliated with Robinson’s family, which reportedly owes the state over $130,000.

This recent scrutiny highlights Robinson’s dual challenges: not only managing his campaign finances transparently but also addressing questions about his commitment to the responsibilities of his current office. With a campaign for governor underway, these issues may shape how North Carolina voters view his candidacy and his accountability as a public official.