Yesterday, North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R) conceded to his GOP primary challenger, long-time Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. After the recount, Berger was down 23 votes according to unofficial state election results. The loss marks an uncommon primary defeat for a veteran legislator and a Trump endorsee; the President had endorsed Berger via Truth Social in December 2025. This came after Trump offered Page a position in his administration in exchange for him to drop out of the Republican primary.
Casino gambling was considered a key issue in this primary race. In 2023, Berger was vocally supportive and helped lead a campaign to open brick and mortar casinos in rural areas across North Carolina, including Rockingham County. There was a backlash by residents who did not support the proposal. Page’s campaign was built on the notion that Berger lost touch with the needs of his district.
Page’s victory will set up a power vacuum in Raleigh. Berger has controlled the upper chamber for over a decade, wielding influence, determining what proposals move, and what policy fights would be had with both the lower chamber and Democratic governors. Berger is expected to continue to lead the North Carolina State Senate during this year's short session and in a statement said he would "do everything I can to support all Republican senate candidates" and support the chamber's supermajority.