Robinson confirms he won’t seek U.S. Senate seat

North Carolina Lt. Gov-elect Mark Robinson is shown at his home in Colfax, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. Robinson will serve as North Carolina's first black lieutenant governor. He hopes he can work with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and state lawmakers on veterans-related issues. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

RALEIGH – Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson emailed a statement to supporters on April 19 saying he would not run for the U.S. Senate in 2022.

“Running for Senate was never on my radar before the last couple of weeks,” Robinson said, but said he owed it to supporters to take a serious look at the race. Robinson, along with several other prominent Republicans, were mentioned in public and private polling prior to the entry of former Gov. Pat McCrory in the race last week.

“If you have heard me speak or talked to me personally, you know I want to serve. I am proud of what my team and I have accomplished and look forward to building on our progress,” Robinson’s statement continued.

Robinson had not taken any formal steps toward running.