Feb 14, 2025 - Politics

North Carolina's top Republican will face a longtime political rival in 2026

Lucille Sherman

Portraits of Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, left, and Senate leader Phil Berger, right. — Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page (left) and Senate leader Phil Berger. Photos: Rockingham County and North Carolina General Assembly

North Carolina's most powerful Republican, Senate leader Phil Berger, will face a challenger in 2026 should he run for re-election again, one of his longtime political rivals, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, told The News & Observer.

Why it matters: One of the state's most influential figures in recent history, Berger was key in orchestrating the GOP takeover of the state legislature in 2010, and he has led the charge in consolidating the party's power and transforming the state since.

Driving the news: Berger has successfully staved off challengers for more than two decades, but Page could prove to be a formidable primary opponent should the two face off next year.

Context: Page, who has served as the sheriff in Berger's home county since 1998, considered running against Berger last year as part of a mysterious effort to announce the Senate leader.

The potential challenge followed Berger's push to legalize non-tribal casinos, including one in his district, in 2023. That move generated significant bipartisan opposition, including from Page, who repeatedly spoke out against bringing a casino to Rockingham County.
Page ultimately opted to run for lieutenant governor in 2024, but lost in the primary.

Zoom out: Page, a long champion of controversial immigration enforcement tactics, will seek President Donald Trump's endorsement, he told The N&O.

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North Carolina's top Republican will face a longtime political rival in 2026

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