Mark Robinson in The Associated Press

On Welfare & Poverty: Government safety net spending is a plantation of welfare

Robinson often speaks of struggle and redemption, setting himself apart from career politicians and wealthy influencers in Raleigh, the state capital. This compelling autobiography, combined with Robinson's brash talk, has endeared him to supporters of Donald Trump, who endorsed Robinson at a March rally. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee often refers to Robinson as "Martin Luther King on steroids."

Robinson campaigned for statewide office as a staunch fiscal conservative who criticized the government as too big and costly, especially with liberals in charge. "The Democratic Party is the party of welfare checks and dependency. The Republican Party is the party of freedom and opportunity," Robinson wrote in his memoir.