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NC GOP Chairman's 'Demonic Forces' Speech Sparks Controversy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 17:26 GMT by The Raw Story
      Locales: North Carolina, UNITED STATES

Raleigh, NC - January 21, 2026 - North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Jason Roberts ignited a firestorm of controversy this weekend with a deeply unconventional and religiously charged speech at the Cabarrus County Republican Party's annual Reagan Dinner. The speech, rapidly circulating across social media, frames state politics not as a matter of policy disagreements but as a literal spiritual battle against demonic forces, raising concerns about the increasingly polarized and volatile nature of political discourse.

During the event on Saturday, Roberts made the startling declaration, "I'm here to tell you, the devil is real. And he's here in North Carolina. And we're gonna fight him!" He elaborated on this provocative statement, asserting that North Carolina is embroiled in a "spiritual battle" and that Republicans are duty-bound to "fight against every demon that is trying to destroy our state, our families, our values." The imagery was met with a mix of criticism and mockery online, highlighting the stark departure from traditional political rhetoric.

The Governor Roy Cooper campaign swiftly condemned Roberts' remarks, releasing a statement labeling them "disturbing and extreme." The statement emphasized the importance of focusing on tangible issues facing North Carolinians, such as affordable healthcare and quality education, rather than engaging in what the campaign characterized as the propagation of "conspiracy theories." This rebuke underscores the widening chasm between the two major political parties and the contrasting approaches to addressing public concerns.

A Pattern of Extremism?

This latest outburst isn't an isolated incident. Roberts has a documented history of utilizing inflammatory and demonstrably false statements to further his political agenda. Notably, in 2022, he publicly and falsely claimed that widespread voter fraud had unjustly deprived Republican Senate candidate Ted Budd of victory. This track record lends credence to accusations that Roberts' rhetoric isn't simply an impulsive slip-up, but rather a deliberate strategy to mobilize support through fear and division.

Experts in political communication are observing the trend with growing alarm. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of political psychology at the University of North Carolina, commented, "Using religious symbolism and demonizing opposing political viewpoints is a dangerous tactic. It erodes trust, fosters animosity, and effectively shuts down constructive dialogue. It's a deliberate effort to tap into deep-seated anxieties and fears within the electorate." She added that such rhetoric can have a 'real-world' effect, potentially inspiring acts of violence or harassment based on the narratives being presented.

The use of such overtly religious and apocalyptic language in political discourse is a relatively recent development, though the underlying trend of political polarization has been escalating for decades. Several factors likely contribute to this phenomenon, including the rise of social media, the increasing influence of partisan media outlets, and the declining trust in traditional institutions.

Reactions and Future Implications

The immediate aftermath of Roberts' speech has seen a surge in condemnations from within the Democratic party, alongside criticism from moderate Republicans who expressed discomfort with the divisive tone. However, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the upcoming election cycle. While it risks alienating moderate voters and further damaging the party's image, it could also energize a base that responds positively to strongly-worded pronouncements and an 'us versus them' mentality.

It also raises questions about the responsibility of party leadership to rein in extremist voices. While Roberts' position as chairman grants him considerable influence within the North Carolina Republican Party, the long-term consequences of embracing such controversial and potentially harmful rhetoric remain to be seen. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly volatile and fractured state of American politics and the urgent need for more measured and constructive approaches to addressing the challenges facing the nation.