general
North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger concedes after recount; Sam Page wins by 23 votes
After a razor-thin Republican primary and a recount, state Senate president pro tempore Phil Berger conceded to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, who now leads by 23 votes and will advance to the November general election.
Mar 25th 2026 ยท United States
Insights
- Sam Page leads 13,135 to 13,112 after a recount, a margin of 23 votes.
- Phil Berger conceded and congratulated Page following the recount.
- On election night Berger trailed by two votes before the recount widened Page's lead.
- Berger has been North Carolina Senate president pro tempore since 2011 and helped Republicans take control of the chamber.
- President Donald Trump endorsed Berger in February despite Page also expressing strong support for Trump.
- Page will face Democrat Steve Luking in the November general election.
Sources
- N.C. Senator Phil Berger Officially Just Lost to Sam Page www.nytimes.com
- Trump-endorsed North Carolina state Senate leader loses by 23 votes www.politico.com
- N.C. Senate's top Republican concedes in primary decided by 23 votes www.nbcnews.com