Politics

Rockingham sheriff inches toward upset of powerful state Senate leader

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page talks with the press outside the Board of Elections office in Wentworth on March 13 after a canvass confirmed his 23-vote Republican primary election edge over Senate Leader Phil Berger in the sheriff’s quest to replace the powerful legislator. [SARAH MICHELS/Carolina Public Press]

By SARAH MICHELS, Carolina Public Press, Published: March 16, 2026

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page sat in the third row, sporting his signature cowboy hat, as he watched the Rockingham County Board of Elections certify the official results in his Republican primary race against Phil Berger, the powerful leader of the N.C. Senate.