North Carolina Senate Leader Trails in Primary by Two Votes

Longtime GOP powerbroker Phil Berger faces surprise challenge from local sheriff Sam Page

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger (R), a powerful figure in the state's politics, is trailing his primary challenger, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page (R), by just two votes in a race that could dramatically reshape the power dynamics in the state capital. The race has attracted national attention, with President Trump backing Berger due to his role in the state's redistricting efforts.

Why it matters

Berger has led the State Senate since 2011, helping overturn 112 years of Democratic control in the legislative chamber. His potential defeat would be a major upset and could significantly impact the balance of power in the North Carolina legislature.

The details

As of Wednesday morning, Page was leading Berger 13,077 to 13,075 votes, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. If the margins remain within 1 percent, the trailing candidate can request a recount. Page, a popular Republican sheriff, positioned himself as an alternative to the status quo, emphasizing his law enforcement background and concerns about fiscal policy and government services. Trump had backed Berger, citing Berger's role in the state's redistricting efforts, but Page said he declined a job offer from the president to remain in the race.

  • The primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
  • As of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, more than 95% of the votes had been counted.

The players

Phil Berger

The Republican leader of the North Carolina State Senate since 2011, who has been a powerful figure in the state's politics.

Sam Page

The Republican sheriff of Rockingham County, North Carolina, who mounted a surprise challenge to Berger in the primary election.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who backed Berger in the primary race due to Berger's role in the state's redistricting efforts.

Steve Luking

The Democratic candidate who will face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election.

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What they’re saying

“The results are in. We just won. We won this because of relationships … I never forget who I work for, and I'll be working for the people of the 26th District, covering Guilford and Rockingham County.”

— Sam Page, Rockingham County Sheriff

“I want to thank the people in this room and everyone else who has either supported me, gone out and campaigned, talked to their neighbor, did anything. I appreciate it more than I can adequately express. I wish I could tell you that we had some certainty as to what the result is, but we just don't know that at this point. And it looks like it's going to be close.”

— Phil Berger, North Carolina Senate Leader

What’s next

If the margins remain within 1 percent, the trailing candidate can request a recount.

The takeaway

This close primary race between the powerful incumbent Senate leader and the local sheriff challenger highlights the shifting political dynamics in North Carolina, where the balance of power in the state legislature could be at stake.