Phil Berger, the longtime Republican leader of the North Carolina Senate, conceded Tuesday to his challenger Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page after a recount confirmed a 23-vote margin in their Republican primary race.
Berger, who had served as president pro tempore for 15 years and received a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump, congratulated Page in a statement reported by NBC affiliate WRAL of Raleigh. The race was among the closest legislative primaries in state history.
On election night, March 3, Berger trailed Page by just two votes. After the recount, unofficial state election results showed Page with 13,135 votes to Berger's 13,112.
What the Left Is Saying
Democrats and progressive observers have noted the primary's outcome as a sign of shifting dynamics within North Carolina Republican politics. Page will now face Steve Luking, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, in the general election.
Page's campaign messaging emphasized his credentials as a Trump supporter, including leading 'Sheriffs for Trump' in 2016. The outcome suggests that Trump's endorsement was not enough to overcome local dynamics and voter preferences in this particular race.
Progressive commentators have pointed to the narrow margin as evidence of intraparty divisions within the North Carolina GOP, particularly between establishment Republicans like Berger and more populist-aligned candidates.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans across North Carolina have largely rallied behind Page following Berger's concession. In his statement, Berger acknowledged the party's recent achievements under Republican leadership.
Over the past 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have fundamentally redefined our state's outlook and reputation. It has been an honor to play a role in that transformation, Berger said.
Page's statement following the concession emphasized unity heading into November. I thank him for wishing me the best moving forward. Now it's time for our community to come together and focus on winning in November, Page said.
Trump had endorsed Berger in February, calling him a highly respected leader who helped deliver massive and historic victories across the state. Despite the loss, Berger remains a significant figure in North Carolina Republican politics, having led the chamber since 2011 when Republicans took control for the first time in 140 years.
What the Numbers Show
The final unofficial vote tally showed Sam Page with 13,135 votes to Phil Berger's 13,112, a margin of just 23 votes out of more than 26,000 cast. The initial margin was just 2 votes on election night.
Both candidates claimed alignment with Trump's policy agenda. Berger's campaign website featured a section detailing how he is fighting for the Trump agenda in North Carolina, while Page called himself a passionate supporter of Trump.
The race marks one of the closest legislative primaries in North Carolina history, requiring an automatic recount under state law. Page will face Luking in November in what is expected to be a competitive general election.
The Bottom Line
The outcome of this Republican primary represents a significant shift in North Carolina's state legislature leadership. After 15 years under Berger's direction, Republicans will have a new Senate leader heading into the November general election.
The narrow margin—decided by just 23 votes after a recount—underscores the competitive nature of North Carolina politics and suggests that Trump's endorsement, while influential, was not determinative in this particular race. Page will now carry the Republican banner into what promises to be a competitive general election against Luking, with control of the state Senate potentially at stake.