Extremist David Willis
David Willis has not withdrawn his endorsement of Mark Robinson.
Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s Lt. Governor and current candidate for governor, has faced scrutiny regarding both his past remarks and his financial dealings. A CNN report alleged that Robinson posted offensive and lewd comments on a porn website years ago, which he denies. Additionally, his 2020 campaign finance records have been under investigation due to unexplained cash withdrawals and potential illegal donations. Despite these controversies, Robinson remains in the gubernatorial race, but some endorsements, including those of GOP governors, have been withdrawn.
David Willis used half-truths and his own son to promote his sponsored bill named "Protect the Smiles"
In 2020, North Carolina House Representative David Willis became involved in discussions about mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. He notably took his child to the North Carolina General Assembly to present a case opposing mask requirements in schools, supporting the stance that mask-wearing should be a personal choice. This was a part of ongoing debates, especially in Union County, about balancing health measures with personal freedoms.
Later, in February 2022, Willis made a statement regarding the COVID-19 situation in Union County Public Schools, claiming that no students, staff, or others related to the school system were hospitalized with COVID-19 at that time. However, this was fact-checked and found to be only "half-true." While the specific claim about hospitalizations was correct at that moment, it left out the broader context of rising COVID-19 cases and the ongoing debate about safety protocols, including mask-wearing and quarantines.
Union County Public Schools had consistently been at the center of controversy over mask mandates, especially with the district choosing to keep masks optional despite concerns from some parents and health officials.
David Willis has not publicly addressed the implications of his holdings in CNOOC.
North Carolina Representative David Willis' financial disclosures revealed his ownership of shares in CNOOC, a Chinese state-owned oil company. CNOOC was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in early 2021 following executive orders from both the Trump and Biden administrations. These orders targeted Chinese companies linked to military activities, which included CNOOC, due to concerns that U.S. investments might support China's military-industrial complex.
The company's delisting and its ties to the Chinese government raised questions about conflicts of interest for U.S. officials holding such investments. Despite these concerns, Willis has not publicly addressed the implications of his holdings in CNOOC, even after its NYSE removal and the federal ban on transactions with certain Chinese companies.