North Carolina MAGA Sheriff Challenges Powerful Senate Leader

Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page leads incumbent Phil Berger by 2 votes in tight GOP primary race

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger (R) could lose his bid for reelection, with unofficial Republican primary results showing him trailing MAGA-aligned Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by just 2 votes. Berger, who has represented State Senate District 26 since 2001, is described as one of the state's most powerful legislators. Page, the local sheriff since 1998, has taken an outspoken stance against illegal immigration and 'political correctness.' Though Berger won former President Trump's endorsement, Trump also praised Page and offered him a job in his administration, which Page declined.

Why it matters

This tight race highlights the growing influence of MAGA-aligned candidates within the Republican Party, even against long-serving establishment figures. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the North Carolina state legislature and impact the state's political landscape.

The details

According to unofficial results, Berger received 13,075 votes compared to Page's 13,077 votes. Officials still need to tally provisional ballots and ballots from military and overseas voters, which could take until March 13. Berger has refused to concede, arguing that counting the remaining ballots will help him. Political analysts had predicted that Page's name recognition would pose a threat to the veteran legislator.

  • The Republican primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The official results are expected by March 13, 2026.

The players

Phil Berger

The longtime North Carolina State Senate Leader, who has represented District 26 since 2001 and is considered one of the state's most powerful legislators.

Sam Page

The Rockingham County Sheriff since 1998, who has taken an outspoken stance against illegal immigration and 'political correctness.'

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What they’re saying

“A win is a win.”

— Sam Page, Rockingham County Sheriff

“We will continue through the process until we know what the result is.”

— Phil Berger, North Carolina State Senate Leader

“We just showed that money don't win elections. Relationships win elections. We have the support of the people. We have the support of the voters, the citizens of Rockingham and Guilford county and that's who I work for.”

— Sam Page, Rockingham County Sheriff

What’s next

The official results are expected by March 13, 2026, after provisional ballots and military/overseas votes are tallied. The losing candidate will likely request a recount given the narrow margin.

The takeaway

This tight race between the long-serving establishment Republican and the MAGA-aligned sheriff underscores the growing influence of grassroots conservative movements within the GOP, even against powerful incumbents. The outcome could reshape North Carolina's political landscape.