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Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page continues to lead state Senate leader Phil Berger by 23 votes after election officials in Guilford and Rockingham counties finalized their initial count of the March Republican primary. 

Why it matters: A win for Page would represent a seismic change in the N.C. General Assembly, where Berger is seen as the most influential Republican member. 

Yes, but: There's still a long way to go before this race is over. 

State of play: Berger, who was endorsed by President Trump in the race, has the right to call a recount because of the narrow margin. He has until Tuesday to do so.

The results could also be challenged in court, and the two candidates are already preparing legal funds, The News & Observer reported. 

Flashback: If it goes to court, the final result of this election could be undetermined for a while. 

2024's state Supreme Court race between Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin took six months to ultimately be decided. 

Page still leads after initial count finalized in closely watched North Carolina primary

A win for Page would represent a seismic change in the N.C. General Assembly.

Brick sidewalk on a rainy day with numerous political campaign signs on grass, including red and yellow "Sam Page NC Senate" and red "Phil Berger N.C. Senate" signs, in a suburban area.

Campaign signs for Phil Berger and Sam Page outside of the Jamestown Town Hall. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page continues to lead state Senate leader Phil Berger by 23 votes after election officials in Guilford and Rockingham counties finalized their initial count of the March Republican primary. Why it matters: A win for Page would represent a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seismic change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/the-most-watched-primary-in-north-carolina-berger-sam-page" data-vars-content-id="1e82836d-601f-40d1-8f95-84b259ae8725" data-vars-headline="Page still leads after initial count finalized in closely watched North Carolina primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/the-most-watched-primary-in-north-carolina-berger-sam-page" target="_self">seismic change</a> in the N.C. General Assembly, where Berger is seen as the most influential Republican member. <ul><li>Yes, but: There&#x27;s still a long way to go before this race is over. </li></ul>

News

When President Trump and Vice President JD Vance visit North Carolina, they have a few favorite spots.

Why it matters: The administration is already on the campaign trail ahead of this fall's midterms, and Republicans hope the purple state of North Carolina will deliver some victories for Republicans in Congress.

State of play: Tracking Trump's and Vance's visits since taking office in 2025 shows they're throwing a lot of energy into appearances at military installations and in the 1st Congressional District.

Two-thirds of their publicly reported trips have been to Rocky Mount and Fort Bragg, an Axios analysis shows. 

The others were to the mountains after Hurricane Helene and to a suburb of Charlotte after a high-profile fatal stabbing.

Between the lines: Politicos are closely watching the U.S. Senate race for the seat Republican Thom Tillis is vacating when he retires, as well as the battle over the 1st, where the Democratic incumbent is newly vulnerable because of redistricting.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance straightens his tie in front of Air Force Two at Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport.

JD Vance at Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport on March 13, 2026. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

The big picture: Both Trump and Vance have visited Rocky Mount, the largest city in the redrawn 1st Congressional District and a short drive to former Gov. Roy Cooper's hometown, to deliver economic messages.

Vance visited Friday and gave a speech to a small crowd on the economy, though his remarks veered heavily into crime and immigration.

Trump's rally-style appearance on Dec. 19 was centered on affordability. The AP reported the message fell somewhat flat.

The intrigue: Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley spoke at both appearances. Congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout spoke at the second, 10 days after she won the March primary.

What they're saying: Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson tells Axios that the visits are all about the 1st Congressional race.

"We're a swing district. I know that we've changed the maps a little bit to favor Republicans, but it's still going to be mighty close," he says.

The big picture: Trump has rallied the troops at Fort Bragg twice this presidency — on Feb. 13 and June 10.

The intrigue: Trump has deployed the U.S. military several times in his second term, to Venezuela, in U.S. cities and, now, to the escalating war in Iran.

His remarks at the Army base have been notably partisan, a break from convention. "You have to vote for us," he said on his second trip.

President Donald Trump in a blue suit speaks to a dense crowd of soldiers and civilians; many hold up phones to film, with a large American flag in the background.

President Trump visited Fort Bragg to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. Photo: Nathan Howard/Getty Images

The big picture: Vance made a couple of stops in the state on Sept. 24.

The first was a private fundraiser in Lexington. Later, he gave a speech at an airplane hangar in Concord.

The intrigue: Concord is just outside Charlotte, and Vance brought up the previous month's stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train.

Republicans have used that incident to push the message that urban crime is spiraling out of control.

Context: Data shows violent crime has dropped significantly since the crime wave of 2020.

The big picture: Trump visited on Jan. 24, 2025, to tour damage still lingering in Swannanoa from Hurricane Helene.

The intrigue: Disaster aid has been slow to arrive in the North Carolina mountains, where more than 100 people died amid catastrophic flooding.

The bottom line: The administration's repeat visits show North Carolina is critical to Republicans' 2026 strategy.

This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina

Their visits reveal a 2026 strategy centered on the military and congressional swing districts.

Illustration of North Carolina under a red spotlight. 

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> and Vice President JD Vance visit North Carolina, they have a few favorite spots.Why it matters: The administration is already on the campaign trail ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this fall&#x27;s midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">this fall&#x27;s midterms</a>, and Republicans hope the purple state of North Carolina will deliver some victories for Republicans in Congress.

Politics

Election

Ramadan ends Friday night at sundown, bringing an end to Raleigh restaurant Peregrine's unforgettable nightly Iftar feasts, which I hope the year-old restaurant makes a tradition.

Why it matters: Peregrine chef and co-owner Saif Rahman drew from his Bangladeshi heritage in crafting the multi-course menu. 

Zoom in: Ramadan is the Islamic holiday during which much of the Muslim world fasts from dawn to dusk. 

Breaking the fast at sunset is often done with family and friends, and tends to be a joyful communal experience.

What they're saying: "For the last 15 years, I haven't been able to break my fast with my family because I'm always working," Rahman said in an email announcing the special menu. 

"Now in my own restaurant and kitchen, I can share the experience with my guests."

Dig in: Bangladesh is east of India, so I expected South Asian fare, but the food had distinctly Arabic and Persian flavors. 

Displaying his creativity and penchant for creating dishes that feel entirely new, Rahman incorporated Southern ingredients and recipes he picked up while living in New York City.

The meal was truly a feast — portions large enough for us to carry seconds home.

Patrick Shanahan and Saif Rahman stand next to the bar of Peregrine

Raleigh chef Saif Rahman, right, and artist Patrick Shanahan stand next to the bar at Peregrine. Photo: Courtesy of Peregrine

Best bites: It began with a honeyed date-walnut confection, field pea fritters served with a pleasantly spicy smoked tomato jam, and a plate of warm pita for scooping up beef heart shawarma served over hummus.

The main course is lamb shank that's been braised in milk, a cooking technique that produced the tenderest lamb I've ever tasted. The knife it's served with is completely unnecessary. The meat falls off the bone in richly flavorful chunks.

Our favorite sides were the fresh-tasting black-eyed pea fattoush and perfectly crisp potato wedges. 

Delicate cardamom ice cream balanced out the warm baklava for dessert.

It's not in the spirit of Ramadan, but we also tried drinks. Peregrine's beverage director, Zack Thomas, also crafted the menu at Capulet Cocktail Club, a romantic spot that Peregrine's co-owner Patrick Shanahan opened in the same midtown complex.

For me, La Mirella, a delightful margarita served with black salt.

For my partner, the Dearly Departed, a bourbon cocktail with chai and orange bitters that's brought to the table enveloped in palo santo smoke.

What's next: The Iftar menu is no longer available, but some of its components show up in different recipes on the regular menu:

Roasted lamb is served off the bone and with a different flavor profile. Grilled beef heart and crispy potatoes are combined with aji verde and lime for an appetizer. Dates make their way into a barbecued squash side.

If you go: Peregrine is a buzzy spot, so consider making a reservation. It's a semifinalist for a national James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.

Stop by: It's open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Raleigh chef's creativity shines with Iftar menu

Chef Saif Rahman blended Bangladeshi roots with Southern flair in a communal feast.

Quad image of food: top left salted margarita with lime; top right braised chops in brown sauce with herbs; bottom left herb-crusted potato wedges; bottom right flaky pastry on a decorative plate.

The feast included milk-braised lamb shank, crispy potatoes and warm baklava with green cardamom ice cream. Photos: Mary Helen Moore/Axios

Ramadan ends Friday night at sundown, bringing an end to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" data-vars-content-id="9dfc97a4-d4a0-41a6-b188-34d5bdf014d8" data-vars-headline="Raleigh chef&#x27;s creativity shines with Iftar menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/04/01/new-restaurant-peregrine-wants-to-make-dishes-raleighs-never-had-before" target="_self">Raleigh restaurant Peregrine&#x27;s</a> unforgettable nightly Iftar feasts, which I hope the year-old restaurant makes a tradition.Why it matters: Peregrine chef and co-owner Saif Rahman drew from his Bangladeshi heritage in crafting the multi-course menu.

Food and Drink

Things to Do

High Point University pulled off a major upset Thursday, knocking off No. 5 Wisconsin 83-82 for the school's first NCAA tournament win.

Why it matters: March Madness is changing now that colleges can pay players. High Point hasn't publicly detailed its NIL strategy, but it is notoriously wealthy and unveiled a flashy new basketball arena five years ago.

The big picture: Money has flooded into college sports since NCAA players won the ability to get paid for their name, image and likeness in 2021.

Last year, schools began paying athletes directly, with some spending millions and hiring general managers to professionalize operations.

Between the lines: Mid-majors with big bucks can now attract players who will allow them to compete with the Power Five in new ways.

That may be especially true for schools like High Point that don't field football teams, which have far larger rosters.

State of play: Two years in a row, the Panthers have secured automatic NCAA tournament bids by winning the Big South championship.

Last year was HPU's tournament debut, but they lost in the first round.

In the offseason, they recruited eight players from the transfer portal. Pickups from Arizona and Southeast Missouri State now lead the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

What they're saying: The offseason also saw Flynn Clayman promoted to head coach. He delivered a viral soundbite on the court after Thursday's upset, saying with a clear shoulder-chip that power conference schools should schedule regular-season games against mid-majors like High Point.

"I know how good of a team we had. But nobody would play us," Clayman said as his team swarmed him.

The court at High Point University's Qubein Center during the Big South Men's Basketball Championship in 2024.

High Point University's Qubein Center hosted the Big South Men's Basketball Championship in 2024. Photo: Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images

Zoom in: Also helping with recruiting is High Point's snazzy arena, the Qubein Center, which opened on campus in 2021 with an estimated $170 million price tag.

It seats 5,000, but contains what the school says is the state's second-largest scoreboard. (Charlotte Motor Speedway's is the largest. It seats 95,000.)

High Point's jumbotron is capable of projecting images onto the court, which the blog Stadium Journey notes is "a feature typically found only in professional sports arenas."

Stadium Journey notes there is "not a bad seat in the house" and awarded it a 4.43 rating out of 5 — tied for second place with far larger schools like Villanova, Texas and Notre Dame in its comprehensive ranking of college arenas.

What's next: The No. 12-seeded High Point men's team plays No. 4 Arkansas on Saturday. Time TBD. 

"They're good. I mean, they're good!" Razorbacks coach John Calipari said about High Point in his postgame interview Thursday.

High Point's women's team, seeded No. 15, plays No. 2 Vanderbilt in the first round at 7pm Saturday. 

Charlotte

Charlotte Members

High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness

A flashy arena, transfer portal pickups and deep pockets are fueling High Point's tournament rise.

High Point University pulled off a major upset Thursday, knocking off No. 5 Wisconsin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="83-82" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401856480" data-vars-content-id="be3d5725-4c4b-4f8f-8122-02eb2def17c6" data-vars-headline="High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401856480" target="_blank">83-82</a> for the school&#x27;s first NCAA tournament win.Why it matters: March Madness is changing now that colleges can pay players. High Point hasn&#x27;t publicly detailed its NIL strategy, but it is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notoriously wealthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdJvUWnfoBmwhbuHU8pft1IvIuPqaHTLGoQnATEowPHzFW_VgmhJVADZ4zIWtk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69bc7d41&amp;gaa_sig=4HL8bSSzYDlScTf6v7pXaKmvQO5NWlnKb3noIrLqstULA-8tk-r3E_8JKE2aZaCznxx5JBuPIohSwYZk9kaMew%3D%3D" data-vars-content-id="be3d5725-4c4b-4f8f-8122-02eb2def17c6" data-vars-headline="High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/north-carolina-college-high-point-amenities-30b0fc14?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdJvUWnfoBmwhbuHU8pft1IvIuPqaHTLGoQnATEowPHzFW_VgmhJVADZ4zIWtk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69bc7d41&amp;gaa_sig=4HL8bSSzYDlScTf6v7pXaKmvQO5NWlnKb3noIrLqstULA-8tk-r3E_8JKE2aZaCznxx5JBuPIohSwYZk9kaMew%3D%3D" target="_blank">notoriously wealthy</a> and unveiled a flashy new basketball arena five years ago.

Mary Helen Moore

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High Point shocks Wisconsin as new money hits March Madness

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This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina

Page still leads after initial count finalized in closely watched North Carolina primary