Mark Robinson campaign officials resign after CNN report on alleged controversial online comments

Several top officials are stepping down from the campaign operation for North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor, following a CNN report on controversial online comments the candidate allegedly made over 10 years ago.

Robinson has denied that he made comments outlined in the CNN report, such as allegedly describing himself as a "black NAZI." 

Campaign adviser Conrad Pogorzelski, campaign manager Chris Rodriguez, finance director Heather Whillier and Jason Rizk, the deputy campaign manager, "have stepped down from their roles with the campaign," Robinson said on Sunday.

"I appreciate the efforts of these team members who have made the difficult choice to step away from the campaign, and I wish them well in their future endeavors. I look forward to announcing new staff roles in the coming days," he said.

Robinson is running against Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat. 

North Carolina is a battleground state that's pivotal to former President Trump's electoral path to take back the White House.