Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, whose popularity with his fellow Republicans had him eyeing a U.S. Senate run next year despite having spent just a few months in his first elected job, opted against that Senate run Monday night.
The lieutenant governor made it official in a statement posted to social media, saying the race wasn't even on his radar until the last few weeks. Calls of encouragement, and strong polling numbers, made him "feel obligated to take an earnest look," Robinson said in his statement.
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The decision takes a potential major piece off the board in a still-evolving Republican primary to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr.
Former Gov. Pat McCrory is in, as is former Congressman Mark Walker.
Republican 13th District Congressman Ted Budd is expected to get in but hasn't yet announced. Robinson's decision may ease Budd's path.
Robinson surprised many last year, overcoming a crowded Republican field in the lieutenant governor's race, then winning the general election. His claim to fame before that was a rousing speech on gun rights to the Greensboro City Council, a speech shared wide and far online.
Robinson said in his statement that he'll focus on getting Republicans elected in 2022, both in the state legislature and in Congress.
"I did not seek elected office for personal fame or fortune – I did it to serve the people of this state and nation," he said. "Being obedient to the Lord and serving the citizens will always be my priority. I will always work to do what I believe is right and to put the people above my own self interests. I will strive to honor my responsibilities and to keep my promises.
"It is with this in mind that I have decided that I will not run for the U.S. Senate," he said.