GOP's highest-ranking NC state senator concedes primary race

Berger's defeat makes him the highest-ranking Republican in state-level office to lose his seat this primary cycle.

By Ben Whedon

Published: March 24, 2026 4:36pm

The top Republican in North Carolina's state Senate on Tuesday conceded his primary race to a local sheriff.

NC Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger issued a statement Tuesday, saying "while this was a close race, the voters have spoken, and I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory."

Sheriff Sam Page has served as Rockingham County Sheriff since 1998. He served as President Donald Trump's North Carolina campaign chair in 2024 and ran as a stalwart Trump ally.

Berger's defeat makes him the highest-ranking Republican in state-level office to lose his seat this primary cycle. Republicans maintain majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, despite the Democrats occupying the governor's mansion.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.