How a Dark-Money Group and Duke Energy are Influencing NC’s Governor’s Race

In the heated contest to become North Carolina’s next governor, NC Attorney General Josh Stein has gained a widening lead in the polls, as the extreme record and statements of his opponent, NC Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, have become more widely known.

In response, dark-money outside groups are working to pump advertising dollars into the state in Robinson’s support. For example, a current major advertising campaign attacking Stein is funded by an arm of the Republican Governors Association (RGA). The RGA can receive direct corporate contributions—which it can then use to support candidates. 

Duke Donating to Dark Money Group

Recent reports show Duke Energy has made extensive contributions to the RGA. This is an example of a legal money-laundering process which is of particular concern to environmental and climate action advocates. NC Newsline reports:

“An analysis of Duke’s corporate political expenditures as reported on the company’s website, and Pro Publica’s 527 Explorer website shows that since 2020, Duke has donated $630,000 to the RGA. The company has also contributed several million dollars to various trade associations that, in turn, made contributions worth millions to the RGA.” 

At the same time, Duke Energy is also in the midst of its own campaign to win approval of an enormous expansion of methane gas infrastructure for power generation. In order to carry through those plans, it needs to convince state regulators to overlook their high costs and added carbon pollution, and to allow the violation of a legal 2030 action deadline for carbon pollution reduction. 

Based on his documented opposition to climate action, including his outright denial that climate change is happening, Robinson could be expected to support Duke’s proposals as governor. This latest example of the follow-the-money rule of politics underscores why we consider Robinson a threat to action on the climate crisis. 

Environmental Advocacy: Vote Stein

Stein on the other hand has proven his environmental leadership time and time again. He has taken polluters–like Duke Energy and Chemours–to court, and won significant settlements to protect NC families and communities. Stein will continue Governor Cooper’s charge to address climate change in our state, but we need your help to ensure he wins. Right now, he has a slight lead over Robinson, but with your help, we can widen that lead. If you support Stein through the give green website, you will not only help elect him, but will tie your contributions to environment advocacy.