Republican voters will decide who advances in a closely watched race for a key state Senate seat.
REIDSVILLE, N.C. โ Republican voters in North Carolina Senate District 26 will soon decide between one of the stateโs most powerful lawmakers and a longtime Triad sheriff in a primary race drawing attention from both Raleigh and Washington.
Incumbent Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger faces a challenge from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page in the March 3 Republican primary. The district covers all of Rockingham County and portions of Guilford County.
The winner will advance to the November general election to face Democrat Steve Luking.
Read more: Candidates Berger and Page both sat down with WFMY News 2’s Hannah Hill to talk about where they stand on key topics.
Why this race matters
Berger, who has represented the district since 2001, is one of the most influential figures in North Carolina politics. As Senate leader, he has played a central role in shaping the state budget, tax policy and education funding.
Page, who has served as Rockingham County sheriff since 1998, is positioning himself as an alternative to longtime legislative leadership. During his campaign, he has emphasized his law enforcement background and concerns about fiscal policy and government services.
The race has drawn national attention, including an endorsement for Berger from President Donald Trump.
Berger said he views the endorsement as an affirmation of his leadership and policies.
โItโs good to have the support of the President of the United States, whoโs carried North Carolina multiple times over the years and is popular in the state, particularly popular amongst Republican primary voters,โ Berger said back in December.
On the key issues
Both candidates have pointed to economic concerns as a major issue for voters, particularly those struggling with rising costs.
In an interview with WFMY News 2, ย Berger said controlling government spending and lowering taxes are key to easing financial pressure.
โWhat we want to do is everything possible to avoid or make sure the state doesnโt contribute to an inflationary spiral,โ Berger said. โOne of the most important things we can do there is control the growth of state government โฆ The other thing we can do is give people tax relief.โ
Page told WFMY News 2 he also supports tax reductions, but he cautioned that doing so could impact state services.
โIf they bottom out and the projections are not correct and we donโt have the revenue, weโre going to have to cut services,โ Page said.
Immigration enforcement has also emerged as a campaign issue, with both candidates expressing support for cooperation with federal authorities.
Berger pointed to legislation requiring local sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration officials, while Page said he supports federal enforcement efforts and partnerships with local agencies.
