NC Senate Leader Berger Concedes Primary by 23 Votes

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger conceded his Republican primary race on Tuesday, ending a tight contest against Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by a margin of 23 votes in District 26. The district, which spans parts of Guilford and Rockingham counties in the Triad area, saw initial election night results show Page ahead by just two votes out of more than 26,000 cast. After reviews of provisional, absentee, and overseas ballots, along with machine and partial hand recounts, Page's lead held firm at 13,135 votes to Berger's 13,112.

Berger, who has served in the state Senate for 25 years and led Republicans since they gained control of the General Assembly in 2011, announced his concession in a statement following the final verification. "While this was a close race, the voters have spoken, and I congratulate Sheriff Page on his victory," Berger said. He added that over the past 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have redefined the state's outlook and reputation, and he pledged to continue working with colleagues during the ongoing short legislative session to support North Carolina's quality of life. Berger also committed to aiding Republican...