RALEIGH, N.C. — On Tuesday, Phil Berger, the leader of the North Carolina Senate, announced his intention to run for reelection for his seat in 2026. This declaration comes shortly after Sheriff Sam Page of Rockingham County expressed his determination to contend for the same Senate seat, irrespective of Berger’s decision.
Last week, Page revealed his plans to enter the race for the 26th Senate District seat currently occupied by Berger. The day prior to Page’s announcement, Berger had shared with the media that while he enjoys his legislative responsibilities, he did not want to make any premature conclusions about his political future, particularly as the candidate filing window is still over nine months away. However, on Tuesday, Berger offered a clear message to a separate group of reporters: “My intent has been all along to run again.” He further asserted, “I intend to run. I intend to continue to be the senator from the 26th District.”
This declaration sets the stage for a potential primary contest between Berger and Page, scheduled for March 2026, covering all of Rockingham County and sections of Guilford County. The victor from the primary is expected to face a Democrat in the general election the following November for a two-year term. The primary battle may provide an opportunity for a Democratic candidate in a district where Berger secured victory with only 54% of the vote in the previous November.
Currently, Berger is serving his 13th two-year term in the Senate and has retained the position of Senate leader since Republicans took control in 2011. As one of North Carolina’s most influential politicians, Berger is widely recognized as a principal figure in the state government’s conservative shift regarding taxation, education, and social policies.
Tensions between Berger and Page heightened in 2023 when Page, who has held the sheriff position since 1998, and his supporters protested against Berger’s initiative to expand casino operations in the state, which included plans for one in Rockingham County. That effort ultimately did not succeed. Page, unsuccessful in his 2024 lieutenant governor bid, stated that the local populace should have a greater say in any casino developments. He emphasized that public safety will be a significant concern for him should he enter the Senate race.
When asked on Tuesday about the chances of casino legislation progressing in 2025, Berger stated that “it is not something that I’m working on” and expressed doubt that such proposals would advance during the current legislative session. The Senate leader, formally titled Senate president pro tempore, is elected by all members of the chamber every two years.
