North Carolina -- In a political shakeup that has stunned the North Carolina establishment, state Senate leader Phil Berger officially conceded the Republican primary for his seat on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The concession marks the end of a 15-year run for the state’s most powerful conservative lawmaker, who fell just 23 votes short of challenger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.
The Final Count
The primary, originally held on March 3, 2026, saw an initial gap of only two votes. Following weeks of procedural battles, including a full machine recount and a partial hand-eye recount conducted Tuesday morning, the final margin remained unchanged:
Reports indicate a very close final vote tally.
Berger’s decision to concede came after a sample hand recount of approximately 1,300 ballots in Guilford and Rockingham counties failed to net the two additional votes he needed to trigger a full, statewide hand recount.
A Clash of Titans and Casinos
The race was characterized by a massive disparity in resources and high-profile involvement.
Spending: Berger's campaign had significantly more financial backing than Page’s largely grassroots effort.
The Casino Factor: Political analysts point to Berger’s 2023 push for rural casino expansion as a significant factor in the race. Page successfully tapped into local resentment, framing the proposal as a betrayal of the district's values.The Trump Endorsement: Despite receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump—which followed the legislature's favorable redrawing of U.S. House maps—Berger was unable to overcome the local "favorite son" status of Sheriff Page.
A Power Vacuum in Raleigh
Berger has led the Senate GOP caucus since 2005 and served as the chamber's leader since Republicans took control in 2011. His departure is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the General Assembly.
"While this was a close race, the voters have spoken," Berger said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. "It has been an honor to play a role in the transformation of our state."
Already, the jockeying to succeed him has begun. Several names have been mentioned as potential candidates for the leadership role, including:
Senator Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell)
Senator Michael Lee (R-New Hanover)
Senator Brent Jackson (R-Sampson)
Senator Amy Galey (R-Alamance)
Next Steps
The North Carolina State Board of Elections is scheduled to meet today, Wednesday, March 25, to officially certify the results. Page will advance to the November general election, where he is heavily favored to win in the Republican-leaning district