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NC Senate Leader Phil Berger Loses Primary in Historic Upset

North Carolina Senate leader, conservative architect Phil Berger concedes primary loss

AP News2026.03.24Updated 11d ago
North Carolina Senate leader, conservative architect Phil Berger concedes primary loss

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger has conceded the March 3 Republican primary for his legislative seat to Sam Page. It’s a move that will shake up power in government in the ninth-largest state. Berger, the top architect of North Carolina's conservative shift, trailed Page, the Rockingham County sheriff, by a razor-thin margin. Berger conceded on Tuesday after a hand recount of some ballots left that margin at 23 votes. President Donald Trump had endorsed Berger, who has been Senate leader since 2011. Berger has indicated that he will remain a senator and Senate leader through year’s end.

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North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger, the architect of the state's conservative transformation since 2011, has conceded his Republican primary to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by just 23 votes. Despite Trump's endorsement, Berger lost the March 3 race after a hand recount confirmed the narrow margin. Berger will remain as Senate leader through year-end but faces a significant power shift in the state.

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