NC Senate Leader Phil Berger, left, and Rockingham Co. Sheriff Sam Page are facing off in a primary for Berger's seat on Mar. 3, 2026. (Photo: NC Newsline)
One of the most-watched legislative primaries in North Carolina could be headed for a recount.
With all precincts reporting in unofficial returns, Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page led Senate leader Phil Berger by two votes out of more than 26,000, with provisional ballots yet to be counted.
If Berger continues to trail after provisional ballots are counted, he can ask for a recount if the margin remains below 1%.
The big-money race came with an endorsement for Berger from President Donald Trump and an avalanche of negative ads. Page, a popular long-tenured sheriff, won handily in the candidates’ home county of Rockingham, but Berger was able to draw close by winning Guilford County precincts, where Page is not as well known.
Berger’s campaign fund and independent political action committees supporting him were on track to spend about $10 million dragging down Page and promoting Berger.
Berger has led the state Senate since 2011, and is one of the most powerful politicians in North Carolina. He has prime responsibility for the state’s rightward turn in tax, environmental, education and other policies. He has been a prolific fundraiser.
Page was first elected Rockingham sheriff in 1998, while Berger has represented the district in the state Senate since 2001.
In 2023, Page and Berger clashed over Berger’s push to allow casinos in rural parts of the state, including Rockingham. Page was a vocal critic of the controversial plan, which Berger later abandoned.
Page claimed that Berger lost touch with voters, while Berger emphasized the advantage of having an experienced legislator representing the district.
The district is heavily Republican, so the primary winner will in all likelihood take the Senate seat. The winner will face Democrat Steve Luking in November.
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