In a surprise Republican primary upset, Senate President Phil Berger lost the race by 23 votes to Sheriff Sam Page. “Berger, who was endorsed by Trump, has represented the Rockingham area for 25 years and has led his chamber for 15 years.”

WRAL – 3/24/26

Senate leader Phil Berger conceded Tuesday in the Republican primary for his long-held Triad-area seat — a shocking defeat for one of the state’s most powerful lawmakers whose long tenure was upended by a challenger who said the incumbent had lost touch with his district.

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page defeated Berger, despite efforts from state Republican leaders and President Donald Trump himself to convince Page to end his campaign. 

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.  

Read the entire article at: https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/berger-hand-recount-rockingham-county-nc-senate-district-23-vote-lead-march