North Carolina political power shaker: Phil Berger concedes primary after 23-vote loss

North Carolina State Senate leader Phil Berger conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, a political earthquake that took down arguably the most powerful politician in a pivotal swing state.

Objective Facts

North Carolina State Senate leader Phil Berger on Tuesday conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by a margin of 23 votes. He has been Senate leader since 2011 when Republicans took full control over the General Assembly for the first time in 140 years. At the end of election night, Page was up by just two votes. After the counties completed their canvasses, the sheriff's lead expanded to 23 votes. Berger's concession came on the same day elections officials in Rockingham and Guilford counties completed a second recount that affirmed Page's 23-vote lead — one of the closest legislative races in state history. Berger also withdrew several election protests on Tuesday, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. With those protests withdrawn, the board of elections will be able to move forward with certification of the race.

Left-Leaning Perspective

Left-leaning outlets and Democratic officials framed Berger's defeat as an opportunity for the party to challenge Republican control. The North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus communications director called for Democrats to work on breaking the GOP's supermajority, stating "With this primary in the past, hopefully Sen. Berger can use the remainder of his term to do the most basic part of his job, which is to pass a state budget". Democrat Steve Luking, the Democratic nominee for the seat, said "I will not be sorry to see [Berger] go" and expressed interest in competing against Page. Democratic critics emphasized Berger's controversial policy legacy. Critics said his agenda benefited the rich, kept down salary increases for state employees and teachers and failed to adequately fund public schools while funneling money to private schools. Democrats accused legislative Republicans of eroding rights for women and transgender people. Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch said Berger "has put power, politics, and special interests ahead of the people he was elected to serve". However, Democratic coverage notably acknowledged Berger's stature and bipartisan respect. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who previously served in the Senate under Berger's leadership, acknowledged Berger's influence, saying "While we didn't always see eye to eye on the issues of the day, I appreciate Senator Berger's deep love for North Carolina". The left's framing omitted extensive discussion of Page's relationship with Trump or his immigration-enforcement credentials, focusing instead on the opportunity Berger's exit creates.

Right-Leaning Perspective

Right-leaning outlets and Republican officials highlighted Berger's substantial policy accomplishments and legacy. RedState emphasized that Berger has been "instrumental in many GOP legislative victories on issues like redistricting (as recently as late 2025), crime, the Second Amendment, ICE cooperation, anti-DEI in public schools, increased oversight of higher education, pro-life and anti-trans causes, and neutering the power of the governor while increasing the power of the legislature". GOP House Speaker Destin Hall praised Berger as "a true titan of conservative leadership in North Carolina." Berger also enacted efforts to shift appointment powers away from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein and former Gov. Roy Cooper. Despite clashing with Cooper, Berger and then-Speaker Tim Moore ultimately reached a deal with him to expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of adults. Right-leaning coverage acknowledged the shock of the defeat but attributed it to local, not ideological, factors. RedState asked "how was Page able to do it after years of Berger easily getting reelected and being such a shrewd and effective leader?" and noted the rivalry between Berger and Page supporters resembled "the Duke-Carolina college basketball rivalry: you can like one (Berger or Page), but you absolutely can't like both". RedState cited "a combination of having MAGA bona fides going way back, nearly 30 years of sheriffing, a budget stalemate between Berger and GOP NC House leaders, along with a controversial Berger-backed casino proposal in 2023". Right-leaning coverage mentioned but downplayed Democratic involvement. RedState noted that "Page had some help from Democrats and their affiliated special interest groups, who hate Berger almost as much as they hate Trump, with some apparently even encouraging party members to cross over to vote for Page in the primary to oust Berger".

Deep Dive

Phil Berger's defeat represented a genuine shock in North Carolina Republican politics. For 15 years as Senate leader, he had consolidated power and never lost a general election, winning 13 consecutive races by double-digit margins. The underlying cause of his loss was backlash from a failed casino expansion proposal. Page, the county's cowboy hat-wearing sheriff since 1998, accused Berger of being out of touch with constituents. In 2023, Page helped lead the effort to oppose a casino that Berger wanted to bring to the district. The Senate leader touted the project as an economic investment that would bring jobs to the rural area. But skeptical residents accused Berger of making deals behind closed doors and trying to "sneak" the casino into their community. Many cited their conservative Christian and community values for not wanting it. Berger eventually abandoned the effort, but for many, the resentment remained. The contest revealed genuine fault lines both within the GOP and between parties. On the eve of North Carolina's election filing period in November, a top Berger deputy traveled from her Alamance County district to Page's Eden home to discourage him from running. Amy Galey, the state Senate Majority Whip, left a letter telling Page that his campaign would help Democrats. Republican donors would spend millions helping Berger keep his seat—leaving the party with less money to use against Democrats in the midterm elections. Days after Galey's plea, Trump endorsed Berger in the race. Yet despite efforts from state Republican leaders and President Donald Trump himself to convince Page to end his campaign, Page defeated Berger. The race also attracted Democratic attention; Page had some help from Democrats and their affiliated special interest groups, with some apparently even encouraging party members to cross over to vote for Page in the primary. What unfolded was a study in how local grievance can overcome statewide power and financial advantage. Page was outspent by Berger's campaign by more than 50-to-1 through mid-February. That doesn't include several million dollars that a pro-Berger independent expenditure group spent on mailers and advertising. Yet Page emphasized that "It's not all about the money raised. It's about the relationships and trust that you've built with your community". The outcome creates immediate uncertainty about North Carolina's budget and governance. With Berger's continued leadership likely until year's end, it may spell trouble for hopes of a budget in the short session. The budget has largely been held up by disagreement between Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall over tax policy. Now, with nothing to lose, it's less likely Berger will moderate on his stances.

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North Carolina political power shaker: Phil Berger concedes primary after 23-vote loss

North Carolina State Senate leader Phil Berger conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, a political earthquake that took down arguably the most powerful politician in a pivotal swing state.

Mar 24, 2026· Updated Mar 25, 2026
What's Going On

North Carolina State Senate leader Phil Berger on Tuesday conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by a margin of 23 votes. He has been Senate leader since 2011 when Republicans took full control over the General Assembly for the first time in 140 years. At the end of election night, Page was up by just two votes. After the counties completed their canvasses, the sheriff's lead expanded to 23 votes. Berger's concession came on the same day elections officials in Rockingham and Guilford counties completed a second recount that affirmed Page's 23-vote lead — one of the closest legislative races in state history. Berger also withdrew several election protests on Tuesday, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. With those protests withdrawn, the board of elections will be able to move forward with certification of the race.

Left says: The North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus called for their party to work on breaking the GOP's supermajority and increase their numbers in the state Senate while Republicans look for a new leader, saying "hopefully Sen. Berger can use the remainder of his term to do the most basic part of his job, which is to pass a state budget". Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch said Berger "has put power, politics, and special interests ahead of the people he was elected to serve".
Right says: Berger has been instrumental in many GOP legislative victories on issues like redistricting (as recently as late 2025), crime, the Second Amendment, ICE cooperation, anti-DEI in public schools, increased oversight of higher education, pro-life and anti-trans causes, and neutering the power of the governor while increasing the power of the legislature. Though Berger's legacy will live on in North Carolina politics for decades to come, it remains to be seen just how much his departure at the end of this year will change how business is done on the state senate side of things.
✓ Common Ground
Both sides acknowledged that Trump's endorsement and millions of dollars in outside spending were insufficient to overcome local grievances, with the loss hinging on backlash from a failed casino expansion proposal.
Commentators across the spectrum recognized that Page capitalized on local resentment toward Berger stemming from 2023, when state lawmakers considered allowing a casino outside tribal lands. Page aligned himself with residents who spoke out against the idea and took issue with stakeholders making preparations without seeking public input.
Multiple voices, including Page himself, emphasized that electoral success is not determined by spending alone, with Page stating "It's not all about the money raised. It's about the relationships and trust that you've built with your community".
Across the political spectrum, observers noted uncertainty about how Berger's continued leadership through year's end may affect the budget stalemate, with coverage indicating "His continued leadership may spell trouble for hopes of a budget in the short session. The budget has largely been held up by disagreement between Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, over tax policy and funding for a children's hospital".
Objective Deep Dive

Phil Berger's defeat represented a genuine shock in North Carolina Republican politics. For 15 years as Senate leader, he had consolidated power and never lost a general election, winning 13 consecutive races by double-digit margins. The underlying cause of his loss was backlash from a failed casino expansion proposal. Page, the county's cowboy hat-wearing sheriff since 1998, accused Berger of being out of touch with constituents. In 2023, Page helped lead the effort to oppose a casino that Berger wanted to bring to the district. The Senate leader touted the project as an economic investment that would bring jobs to the rural area. But skeptical residents accused Berger of making deals behind closed doors and trying to "sneak" the casino into their community. Many cited their conservative Christian and community values for not wanting it. Berger eventually abandoned the effort, but for many, the resentment remained.

The contest revealed genuine fault lines both within the GOP and between parties. On the eve of North Carolina's election filing period in November, a top Berger deputy traveled from her Alamance County district to Page's Eden home to discourage him from running. Amy Galey, the state Senate Majority Whip, left a letter telling Page that his campaign would help Democrats. Republican donors would spend millions helping Berger keep his seat—leaving the party with less money to use against Democrats in the midterm elections. Days after Galey's plea, Trump endorsed Berger in the race. Yet despite efforts from state Republican leaders and President Donald Trump himself to convince Page to end his campaign, Page defeated Berger. The race also attracted Democratic attention; Page had some help from Democrats and their affiliated special interest groups, with some apparently even encouraging party members to cross over to vote for Page in the primary.

What unfolded was a study in how local grievance can overcome statewide power and financial advantage. Page was outspent by Berger's campaign by more than 50-to-1 through mid-February. That doesn't include several million dollars that a pro-Berger independent expenditure group spent on mailers and advertising. Yet Page emphasized that "It's not all about the money raised. It's about the relationships and trust that you've built with your community". The outcome creates immediate uncertainty about North Carolina's budget and governance. With Berger's continued leadership likely until year's end, it may spell trouble for hopes of a budget in the short session. The budget has largely been held up by disagreement between Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall over tax policy. Now, with nothing to lose, it's less likely Berger will moderate on his stances.

◈ Tone Comparison

Right-leaning outlets used language celebrating conservative accomplishments and emphasizing Berger's legacy, employing phrases like "titan of conservative leadership" and detailing specific policy wins. Left-leaning coverage employed more critical framing around accountability and special interests, while maintaining respect for Berger's stature. Both sides noted the shock of the defeat, but right-leaning sources emphasized its mystery given Berger's prior electoral dominance, while left-leaning outlets attributed it primarily to the local casino controversy.

✕ Key Disagreements
Assessment of Berger's 15-year legislative record
Left: Critics said his agenda benefited the rich, kept down salary increases for state employees and teachers and failed to adequately fund public schools while funneling money to private schools.
Right: Berger's allies have said the conservative shift he's chartered fueled economic success in the state of 11 million, brought more school choice to parents and protected more of the unborn.
Democratic involvement in the primary
Left: Left-leaning outlets and Democratic officials focused on the opportunity Berger's loss creates for Democrats without substantively addressing allegations of Democratic crossover voting.
Right: RedState claimed that "Page had some help from Democrats and their affiliated special interest groups, who hate Berger almost as much as they hate Trump, with some apparently even encouraging party members to cross over to vote for Page in the primary to oust Berger".
Interpretation of Trump's ambiguous position on the race
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasized Trump's endorsement of Berger as evidence of his support, noting it was insufficient to overcome local concerns.
Right: RedState argued that "Trump unofficially endorsed Page in the same statement where he backed Berger" and that "Page was an early supporter of Trump's back in 2015, and it's something Trump never forgot".