RALEIGH, N.C. — The sheriff of Rockingham County, Sam Page, has announced his intention to run for the state Senate seat held by Phil Berger, a prominent figure in North Carolina politics, for the upcoming election next year.
Page, who has been serving as sheriff since 1998, previously vied for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor but was unsuccessful. He expressed that he will pursue the Senate seat irrespective of Berger’s plans regarding a potential 14th term, as reported by The News & Observer in Raleigh.
The relationship between Page and Berger has been contentious, particularly over the issue of casino expansion in the state. This conflict was highlighted earlier this year when Page, along with others, lobbied against a proposal to allow more casinos, including a new one in Rockingham County. This proposal was ultimately rejected when the state legislature could not reach an agreement.
Page has emphasized the importance of community input regarding such controversial issues, stating that local citizens deserved a greater role in the decision-making process. He criticized the 2023 proposal, claiming it was introduced without adequate consultation with the public.
Phil Berger, who has held his Senate position since 2000 and has served as the legislative leader since Republicans took control in 2011, has played a significant role in shaping the state’s conservative policies on various matters, including taxation and education.
If Berger decides to run again, the two would enter a primary election in March 2026, with the general election following in November. When asked about Page’s announcement, a representative from the Senate Republican Caucus referred to Berger’s earlier comments about the upcoming candidate filing period, stating that it doesn’t start until December. Berger noted he enjoys his current role and wants to avoid making premature decisions regarding his political future.
Berger’s district encompasses all of Rockingham County and parts of Guilford County. The Senate, which consists of 50 members, elects its leader every two years. Page, who finished fifth in a crowded primary field for lieutenant governor in 2024, has made public safety his primary focus, with particular attention to the ongoing issues surrounding the opioid crisis and fentanyl use.
A former president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, Page is currently involved with the National Sheriffs’ Association Border Security Committee. He has been a longstanding advocate for President Donald Trump’s policies on border security between the U.S. and Mexico.
