Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page narrowly beat incumbent Senate President Phil Berger in the 2026 NC Republican primary by two votes, setting up a likely general election win.

In the 2026 North Carolina Republican primary for Senate District 26, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page narrowly defeated incumbent Senate President Phil Berger by just two votes, ending Berger’s 15-year hold on the seat. The race, marked by Page’s criticism of Berger’s support for casino legislation and his image as a more locally connected alternative, drew national attention. With no Democratic challenger expected, the primary winner is likely to win the general election. The result, which may trigger a recount, signals a potential shift in state legislative power and reflects growing Republican voter dissatisfaction with establishment figures.