MARION, N.C. — Monroe Mayor Robert Burns stepped onto a broader statewide political stage at the 2026 Salt & Light Conference in Marion as he continues positioning himself for his 2028 campaign for governor.
The three-day gathering, hosted by the North Carolina Faith & Freedom Coalition at Nebo Crossing Church, brings together pastors, elected officials, activists and conservative leaders around issues involving faith, public policy and civic engagement.
Burns’ appearance carries significance beyond his role as mayor of Monroe.
Burns has publicly expressed his intention to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2028, putting his appearance before politically active conservatives into a larger statewide context.
The Monroe mayor has also publicly described himself as a Christian conservative.
As mayor, Burns has weighed in on issues important to religious conservatives. In 2024, he issued a proclamation recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, emphasizing what he described as the sanctity of human life and support for women, children and families.
The Salt & Light Conference gives Burns exposure alongside established political and conservative figures. The 2026 speaker lineup includes Border Czar Tom Homan, U.S. Rep. Mark Harris, North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek, Faith & Freedom Coalition founder Ralph Reed and political commentator Scott Jennings, among others.
Burns has served as Monroe mayor since December 2023.
His appearance in Marion represents another move beyond municipal politics as he increases his visibility across North Carolina ahead of 2028.
The next governor’s election, however, remains more than two years away. The eventual Republican field has not been established, and Burns would still have to complete the formal candidate filing process when that period opens.