There were undoubtedly several factors that contributed to the stunning defeat of North Carolina’s most powerful politician, longtime Republican state Senate leader Phil Berger, in the recent Republican primary.
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Berger concedes Senate primary loss to Sam Page, closing a long chapter in Raleigh
North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger has conceded his Republican primary loss to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, ending one of the most consequential election fights of the 2026 cycle and setting up a coming leadership shift in the General Assembly. Berger acknowledged the result Tuesday after a partial hand recount found no change in the vote totals and Page’s 23-vote lead held.
Berger demands broader recount in two‑vote Senate race
With Sheriff Sam Page holding a 23-vote lead in the Republican primary for N.C. Senate District 26, Sen. Phil Berger is seeking a second recount. A machine recount ended without changing Page’s advantage, and state law allows Berger to request a hand-to-eye recount of randomly selected precincts because the margin remains under 1%.
NC Sen. Berger files four election protests, arguing some voters received wrong ballots
His opponent, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, says the 13 ballots challenged wouldn’t change the outcome of the race.
Berger campaign accuses Democrats of interfering in his primary
The campaign lashed out at progressive groups, alleging they were boosting Berger’s opponent in an effort to oust the state Senate’s top Republican.
Berger Issues Statement on passing of Former Sen. Jim Jacumin
Raleigh, N.C. – Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following statement about the passing of former Sen. Jim Jacumin (R-Burke):
Senator Berger Statement on Newly Approved Congressional Map
Raleigh, N.C. – Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following statement after the final vote on the new proposed Congressional map in the N.C. Senate:
Senate Republicans Approve Measure to Revive Death Penalty in North Carolina
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the Republican-led N.C. Senate approved a measure that seeks to revive the death penalty in the state as part of a broader criminal justice reform package.
Proposal to Defund Planned Parenthood Clears NC Senate
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the N.C. Senate passed House Bill 192, "Defund Planned Parenthood and Cost Transparency," to increase transparency for patients receiving medical care and stop any state funding going to Planned Parenthood.
‘Back the Blue Pay Act’ Approved by NC Senate
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the N.C. Senate unanimously approved the "Back the Blue Pay Act," which creates a first-of-its-kind, state-funded bonus for state and local law enforcement officers and implements the Senate budget's law enforcement pay plan.
Legislative Leaders Unveil Criminal Justice Reforms Following Murder of Iryna Zarutska
Raleigh, N.C. – This week, the General Assembly will meet to consider a package of criminal justice reforms that target soft-on-crime policies that contributed to the senseless murder of Iryna Zarutska on Aug. 22, 2025, in Charlotte.
Senator Berger Announces Interim Committee Appointments
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) announced the appointments to interim committees for the 2025-26 legislative session.
Senate Passes Bill to Make North Carolina the First State to Opt into President Trump's Signature School Choice Program
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate approved a bill today that would make North Carolina the first state in the nation to opt into President Donald Trump's school choice tax credit program as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
OVERRIDE TIME: Senate Plans to Return to Override Gov. Stein's Vetoes on July 29
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate will reconvene on Tuesday, July 29, to take up all seven of the vetoes Gov. Josh Stein has returned to the Senate, as well as any successful overrides from the House.
BACK ON TOP: North Carolina Returns to No. 1 in CNBC's 'Top States for Business' Rankings
Raleigh, N.C. – North Carolina returned to the No. 1 spot in CNBC's "Top States for Business" rankings this year. Since 2019, North Carolina has ranked in the top three states for business and was previously the top state in 2022 and 2023.
N.C. Senate Approves Fifth Hurricane Helene Relief Package
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate unanimously approved the fifth Hurricane Helene relief package, bringing the total state funding dedicated to Western North Carolina recovery to more than $2.1 billion.
Senator Berger's Proposal Putting Strict Guardrails on Guilford Tax Referendum Approved Unanimously
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the North Carolina Senate approved a new version of House Bill 305, which puts strict guardrails on the use of a proposed one-quarter of one cent sales tax and supports municipalities that continue to keep their property taxes low.
Senator Berger Statements on Gov. Stein's Vetoes
Raleigh, N.C. – Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following statement after Gov. Josh Stein vetoed the "North Carolina Border Protection Act,"
Senate Approves 'Power Bill Reduction Act'
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the North Carolina Senate gave final approval to a bill that will save all North Carolinians billions of dollars by removing arbitrary carbon reduction goals and prioritizing reliable, least-cost energy sources.
Senate Committee to Consider Ban on Synthetic Hemp Products, Regulations for the Sale of Delta-9 Products and THC Drinks
Tomorrow, the N.C. Senate Health Care Committee will meet to consider a bill banning synthetic hemp products in the state and regulating the sale of delta-9 products, including drinks and gummies.