DC political hack and Big Oil lobbyist Michael Whatley continues to show how closely aligned he is with scandal-plagued, controversial Mark Robinson. Raleigh News & Observer reports that Whatley spoke at an event hosted by the same extreme Christian nationalist group that Robinson frequently campaigned with.

This is no surprise – Whatley has “embraced” Robinson since day one:

• Whatley called Robinson a “man of the people” and the “greatest Lieutenant Governor in the United States.”
• Whatley refused to denounce Robinson amid his many scandals.
• Just a few weeks ago, Whatley was “hammer[ed]” for his role in elevating Robinson to power despite his controversies.

“DC political hack Michael Whatley spent his career helping Mark Robinson rise to power, pushing an extreme agenda, and plaguing North Carolina with controversy and scandal,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor at the North Carolina Democratic Party. “Now, Whatley is cozying up to Robinson’s backers, choosing to stand with extremists instead of delivering for working families.”

Raleigh News & Observer: Michael Whatley to speak at faith conference critics call ‘Christian nationalist’

Kyle Ingram | September 7, 2025

• Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley will appear at a religious conference in Raleigh this week led by a group critics describe as “Christian nationalist.”
• Another group, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, plans to protest the event on Monday evening.
• The American Renewal Project has held events in North Carolina before, notably hosting former Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson at several luncheons throughout the state.

###