NC Senate Candidate Calls for State Auditor's Recusal in Recount

Sam Page asks for Dave Boliek to step aside due to perceived conflicts of interest

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, who is leading the Republican primary race for North Carolina's 26th Senate District, has called for State Auditor Dave Boliek to recuse himself from overseeing a potential recount. Page cited Boliek's past campaigning with Page's opponent, Phil Berger, as well as Boliek's staffing decisions that have tied his office to Berger, the current Senate leader.

Why it matters

The request for Boliek's recusal highlights concerns about the impartiality of election oversight, especially in a tight race where the outcome could shift the balance of power in the state legislature. Voters want to be confident that the recount process, if needed, will be fair and nonpartisan.

The details

Page extended his lead over Berger from 2 votes to 23 votes after provisional ballots were counted, but the race is still not officially decided. Berger played a key role in passing the law that gave the Republican state auditor oversight of elections, and Boliek has hired Berger allies to top positions in his office. Page argues this creates a clear conflict of interest that requires Boliek to step aside.

  • On March 4, 2026, Page extended his lead over Berger from 2 votes to 23 votes after provisional ballots were counted.
  • On March 6, 2026, Page made his comments calling for Boliek's recusal at an anti-abortion event in Raleigh.

The players

Sam Page

Rockingham County Sheriff and Republican candidate for North Carolina's 26th Senate District.

Phil Berger

Current leader of the North Carolina Senate and Page's opponent in the Republican primary.

Dave Boliek

North Carolina State Auditor, who would oversee any potential recount in the 26th Senate District race.

Bob Rucho

Republican member of the State Board of Elections who resigned after making public statements in support of Berger and against Page.

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What they’re saying

“You have the auditor, Dave Boliek. You know, he was up in my county during the early or during the early voting doing a news conference with my opponent at a polling site. That just shows a total conflict of interest. I've asked for Dave Boliek our auditor, to step aside, to recuse himself.”

— Sam Page, Rockingham County Sheriff and Republican Candidate (WRAL)

“I was elected in a partisan election. But in completing the job, I represent and work on behalf of all North Carolinians, regardless of their political party. And when it comes to voting, voting is sacred in this country. It is sacred in this state.”

— Dave Boliek, North Carolina State Auditor (WRAL)

What’s next

The counting of outstanding overseas and military votes is still ongoing, and a potential recount would be overseen by officials appointed by State Auditor Dave Boliek.

The takeaway

This dispute over election oversight highlights the importance of maintaining impartiality and public trust in the electoral process, especially in close races that could shift the balance of power. Voters want to be confident that recounts and other election procedures are carried out fairly, regardless of partisan affiliations.