North Carolina’s top Senate Republican conceded to his challenger in a close primary on Tuesday, despite having President Donald Trump’s support.
Phil Berger, president pro tempore of the state Senate for the past 15 years, congratulated his opponent in the recounted race, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.
“Although it was a close race, voters made their voices heard and congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory,” Berger said in a statement, NBC affiliate WRAL in Raleigh reported. “Over the past 15 years, Republicans in Congress have fundamentally redefined our state’s outlook and reputation, and I’m honored to play a role in that transformation.”
On election night, March 3, Mr. Berger had a two-vote lead over Mr. Page. After the recount, Mr. Page received 13,135 votes and Mr. Berger received 13,112 votes, a loss of 23 votes, according to unofficial state election results.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Mr. Page said Mr. Berger had called him to make concessions and said, “Thank you for wishing me the best in my future endeavors.” “Now is the time for our community to come together and focus on winning in November.”
Berger’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Trump endorsed Berger in February after Page said in a social media post in December that he had turned down a job offer from Trump in Washington.
“Phil Berger has served as a highly respected leader in the North Carolina Senate for more than a decade, helping us achieve massive and historic victories across the state, including my six landslide victories and primaries in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” President Trump said on Truth Social.
Additionally, Page added, “Great. Long time supporter, but I would really like him to work for us in Washington, D.C., rather than looking further into playing against Phil.”
Berger has been president of the state Senate since 2011, helping lead Republicans to control of the Legislature for the first time in 140 years.
Both Mr. Berger and Mr. Page touted loyalty to Mr. Trump’s policies during their campaigns. Mr. Berger’s campaign website includes a section detailing how he is fighting for Mr. Trump’s policies in North Carolina, while Mr. Page describes himself as a “passionate supporter” of Mr. Trump and said in 2016 he led the “Sheriffs for Trump.”
In November, Page will face Steve Luking, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
