Tight North Carolina State Senate Race Heads to Recount

Phil Berger and Sam Page are locked in a virtual tie, with the final outcome likely weeks away.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The North Carolina state Senate race between incumbent Phil Berger and challenger Sam Page is headed for a recount after the two candidates finished in a virtual tie. With just a two-vote difference, the race will now go through a series of steps, including the adjudication of provisional ballots and the counting of late-arriving mail-in votes, before a final determination is made.

Why it matters

This race is one of the most closely watched in North Carolina, as Berger is the powerful state Senate leader. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the state legislature, making the recount process crucial for both candidates and their parties.

The details

After all precincts reported results, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page led state Senate leader Phil Berger by just two votes in Tuesday's GOP primary. Page declared victory, while Berger said he would wait for more results. The State Board of Elections will release a report on outstanding provisional ballots on Wednesday or Thursday, but that will only provide a partial picture. County officials will then adjudicate those ballots on Friday, and military and overseas mail-in ballots can be received through March 12. If the race is still within 1 percentage point after the county canvass on March 13, the trailing candidate can request a recount, which could lead to multiple challenges and legal battles that could drag on for months.

  • The State Board of Elections will release a report on outstanding provisional ballots on Wednesday, March 4 or Thursday, March 5.
  • County elections officials will adjudicate provisional ballots on Friday, March 6.
  • Military and overseas mail-in ballots can be received through March 12.
  • County officials will canvass their results on March 13.
  • The trailing candidate has until noon on March 17 to request a recount if the race is within 1 percentage point.

The players

Phil Berger

The incumbent state Senate leader in North Carolina, who is locked in a tight race with challenger Sam Page.

Sam Page

The Rockingham County Sheriff who is challenging Berger for the state Senate seat, and currently holds a narrow two-vote lead.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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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.