Berger concedes in NC Senate District 26 recount North Carolina’s state Senate leader, Phil Berger (R), conceded his primary race in Senate District 26 after a recount confirmed his defeat by Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page (R) by 23 votes. The race, which concluded with approximately 26,000 ballots cast, saw Page declare victory on election night, but Berger requested a machine recount and a hand tally of voting precincts, which validated the initial results. Berger, who has led Senate Republicans for over a decade, acknowledged the outcome in a statement, praising voters for their decision and congratulating Page on his win. He emphasized his commitment to working with colleagues in the upcoming legislative session to maintain North Carolina’s status as a top state for living and raising a family. Berger also pledged to support all Republican Senate candidates and protect the state’s supermajority. The race, which was one of the closest in the state, drew significant attention due to Berger’s prominent role as a Republican leader and his endorsement by President Trump. Trump had previously urged Page to join him in Washington, D.C., rather than run against Berger. Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, praised the election officials for ensuring accurate vote counting and commended Berger for his service, despite their differing political views. Page, in a statement reported by local media, expressed gratitude for Berger’s recognition of his victory and shifted focus to the upcoming general election. The outcome underscores the competitive nature of North Carolina’s political landscape, where even narrow margins in primary races can reshape legislative dynamics. Republicans currently hold 30 of the 50 Senate seats, and the loss of Berger’s seat could impact the party’s influence in the state legislature.#north_carolina #phil_berger #sam_page #rockingham_county #josh_stein
Republican Phil Berger Concedes State Senate Primary to Sheriff Sam Page North Carolina State Senate leader Phil Berger conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page on Tuesday, marking a significant political shift in the state. The outcome of the Republican primary for Senate District 26 was determined after a full machine recount confirmed Page’s narrow 23-vote lead. Berger, who had previously withdrawn several election protests, acknowledged the result in a statement, calling the voters’ decision “a clear message” and congratulating Page on his victory. The race hinged on a local controversy surrounding Berger’s failed attempt to push through a casino expansion project in the district. In 2023, Page led opposition to the plan, which Berger had promoted as an economic investment for rural communities. Residents, many of whom identified as conservative Christians, criticized the proposal as a covert effort to “sneak” the casino into their area, citing concerns over community values and potential negative impacts. Despite Berger’s efforts to fast-track the project, the backlash persisted, ultimately contributing to his defeat. Page, a 73-year-old attorney with over 25 years of service in the state Senate, had long been a key figure in North Carolina politics. His victory over Berger, a longtime Senate leader who had never lost a statewide election, underscores shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. The district, traditionally a safe Republican seat, now faces an uncertain future as Page prepares to run for the Senate seat in November. Berger’s concession followed a recount process that initially left the race extremely close, with Page leading by just two votes on election night. After the counties completed their canvass, the sheriff’s margin expanded to 23 votes.#north_carolina #phil_berger #sam_page #rockingham_county #guilford_county
