North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger conceded defeat Tuesday in the Republican primaries before Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page for his seat for State Senate District 26.
The legislator acknowledged the result and congratulated his opponent, after the counting with machine y manual It will show that he was still trailing in the race by 23 votes.
“Although it was a close race, the voters have spoken, and I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory,” Berger said in a statement.
Berger's career
The senator also highlighted his career and the role of the Republican Party in the transformation of the state over the past decade and a half.
“For the past 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have fundamentally redefined our state’s vision and reputation. It has been an honor to be a part of that transformation,” he said.
Berger added that he will continue working during the upcoming short session and supporting Republican candidates for the state Senate.
“I will remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that North Carolina continues to be the best state to live, work, raise a family, and retire in,” he said.
Berger has been one of the most influential figures in state politics over the past two decades.
He was first elected to the Senate in 2000 and assumed leadership of the Republicans in that chamber in 2005. In 2011, he went from being minority leader to president pro tempore, after the Republicans came to control of the General Assembly for the first time in more than a century.
During his leadership, he promoted a conservative agenda that included tax cuts, education reforms, and changes to electoral laws.
His defeat raises questions about future Republican leadership in North Carolina and reflects potential changes within the party.
Who is Sam Page?
El Sheriff Page He has more than four decades in law enforcement and has led the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office since 1998.
Page led “Sheriffs for Trump” in 2016 and was Trump’s campaign chairman in North Carolina in 2020.
On immigration matters, Page has been one of the most active local officials in promoting restrictive policies.
Furthermore, he supported state laws considered by advocacy groups to be anti-immigrant, such as the HB 10, which obliges the constables to to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Page defended the measure as a tool for public safety, although critics warn that it could generate fear and distrust in immigrant communities.
Governor acknowledges Sam Page's victory
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein thanked election officials in a post on X for “ensuring that every vote was counted and that the voice of the people was heard.”
“I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory and acknowledge Senator Berger for his service. While we don’t always see eye to eye on the issues of the day, I appreciate Senator Berger’s deep love for North Carolina,” Stein said.
“I look forward to working with him and other leaders in the General Assembly "In the coming weeks, we will be working to approve a comprehensive and fiscally responsible budget that invests in the people of our state," he said.
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Reaction from the Senate Democratic leader
The Democratic leader of the state Senate, Sydney BatchShe reacted to Senator Phil Berger's concession in the District 26 primaries, highlighting the end of his long political career.
The legislator criticized the Republican senator's record, stating that "for decades, Senator Berger has put power, politics, and special interests above the people he was elected to serve," Batch said.
“The voters who know him best made their decision 21 days ago, and after weeks of dragging out this process and wasting taxpayer resources, Berger is finally accepting reality,” Batch added.
In her statement, the Democratic leader maintained that the political landscape is changing in the state.
“The Republican supermajority he built is weaker today than ever before,” he said.
Batch indicated that Senate Democrats will remain focused on supporting families, reducing costs, protecting freedoms, and passing a budget that meets the state's needs.
Looking ahead to November, he called on voters to "end the Republican supermajority and restore balance."
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