NC Senate Leader Phil Berger Steps Down as State’s Leading Republican
NC Senate Leader Phil Berger conceded to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page after a series of recounts. The outcome ends Berger’s long run as the state’s leading Republican powerbroker.
A razor-thin result
The race was decided by a handful of votes. Berger trailed by two votes on election night.
After provisional ballots were counted, Sam Page led by 23 votes. A machine recount and a sample hand recount confirmed Page’s advantage.
Recounts and election protests
Berger filed multiple election protests alleging voting irregularities. Election officials determined the challenges affected 13 voters total.
Had Berger pursued a new election, he would have needed approval from at least four of five State Board of Elections members. A prolonged court fight remained a possible option without a concession.
Campaign dynamics and endorsements
Berger drew major endorsements and large campaign spending. He also received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Trump praised both candidates and reportedly offered Page a federal position to leave the contest. Page declined and stayed in the race.
Local vote patterns
Berger won a clear majority in the Guilford County portion of the district. Page doubled Berger’s vote total in Rockingham County, his home base.
Page had previously opposed Berger’s casino proposal. That dispute signaled earlier fractures between the two men.
Leadership, record and legacy
Berger served about 25 years in the state Senate. He spent more than 15 years as the chamber’s dominant Republican leader.
He helped engineers the GOP takeover of the legislature in 2010. He championed lower income taxes and expanded school choice.
As Senate president pro tempore, Berger held top leadership powers, including control over which bills reach the floor. He had been elected to a two-year pro tem term.
Legislative balance
Senate Republicans currently hold a supermajority and can override vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. The state House, however, is one vote short of that threshold.
Concession and what comes next
Berger announced his concession after a partial hand recount confirmed the 23-vote margin. He said he will finish out his Senate term, which ends in December.
His decision averted a potential courtroom confrontation. That outcome also avoided a contested process that could have drawn attention because his son, Phil Berger Jr., sits on the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Reactions from the candidates
Berger congratulated Page and reflected positively on his years in office. He said he remained committed to working with colleagues in the short legislative session.
Page thanked Berger for his service and expressed gratitude to voters in Guilford and Rockingham counties. He called the contest hard-fought and said he looked forward to serving.
This article was published March 24, 2026. Reporting by Kyle Ingram is credited to Filmogaz.com.
