Tight NC Senate Race Enters New Phase with Hand Recount

County officials plan to hand count about 5% of ballots in race between incumbent Phil Berger and challenger Sam Page

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:00am

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A high-stakes Republican primary in North Carolina's 26th Senate District will enter a new phase of post-election review on Tuesday when county officials recount about 1,300 of the 26,000 ballots cast by hand. Incumbent Phil Berger, who has been instrumental in pushing through GOP-backed laws, trails challenger Sam Page, the Rockingham County Sheriff, by just 23 votes. Berger has requested the partial hand recount, arguing there are enough 'overvote' and 'undervote' ballots across the district to potentially change the outcome.

Why it matters

This race has drawn national attention due to its potential impact on the balance of power in the state legislature. Berger, the Senate president pro tempore since 2011, has been a key figure in advancing the Republican agenda, while Page campaigned on the idea that Berger has lost touch with the needs of their Triad-area district.

The details

Under state law, if the hand recount in the selected precincts reduces the margin enough, it could then trigger a full hand recount across the entire district - the scenario Berger is seeking. Berger has also filed challenges involving 13 voters across Guilford and Rockingham counties, alleging issues with ballot access and adjudication. Even if the margin remains the same after Tuesday's recount, the certification process could continue with potential legal action from the candidates.

  • The hand recount is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2026.
  • Guilford County officials plan to review Berger's protests on April 6, 2026.
  • Rockingham County officials plan to review Berger's protests on March 27, 2026.

The players

Phil Berger

The incumbent Republican state senator who has been the Senate president pro tempore since 2011, instrumental in pushing through GOP-backed laws.

Sam Page

The Rockingham County Sheriff who is challenging Berger, campaigning on the idea that Berger has lost touch with the needs of their Triad-area district.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.