Who will succeed Berger as Senate leader? Who’s interested and what they’ll face
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Berger concedes Republican primary, race for next Senate leader accelerates.
- Michael Lee confirms interest; other senators quietly build caucus support.
- Successor would oversee agenda, fundraising and supermajority prospects.
Who will be the next Senate leader?
As soon as Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger conceded his Republican primary race on Tuesday, the race to become the next Senate leader accelerated.
At least one contender, Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee, has confirmed his interest.
Berger has been in the Senate for 25 years, and voters decided he’s serving his last term. He was defeated by his home county sheriff, Sam Page, after a contentious election.
Berger was chosen by Senate Republicans — again and again and again — to lead them, first in the minority party and then, after Republicans took control after the 2010 election, for the next 15 years as the party in power.
His term as president pro tem is set to continue through his last day in office in December, but he and the Republican Senate caucus could also choose his successor ahead of that.
Lee, who represents a swing district in the Wilmington area, told The News & Observer in a statement on Wednesday that he is “prepared to step forward to provide the leadership needed to meet the challenges ahead and to guide the Senate into its next chapter. But today is not about the next chapter. It is about recognizing and appreciating the extraordinary leadership of Senator Berger.”
A few other senators have been quietly seeking supporters for the past few weeks, according to political insiders — trying to build the needed votes in the Republican caucus to pull off a win. But there are multiple factions in the Senate, and a lot of factors at play.
Being president pro tem of the Senate, a job for the majority party, means that Berger has presided over most Senate sessions, unless the Senate president, who is the lieutenant governor, is presiding.
But the role comes with much more power — and responsibility — than just on the Senate floor.
Senate leader must raise money
It’s not just about policy — it’s about money.
Berger decides, with the support of his caucus, what bills get committee hearings or come to the floor for a vote. His job also comes with a need to be a major fundraiser, which is something Republicans are considering as they think about his replacement.
The job also involves being the face of Senate Republicans in North Carolina.
That all assumes Republicans maintain control of the Senate after the November election. They currently hold a supermajority that can overturn vetoes, while House Republicans are one vote short of that threshold.
Democrats aim to gain more power
Democrats are already coming for them.
“The Republican supermajority that (Berger) built is weaker today than it has ever been, and Senate Democrats will keep focusing on the work that matters most: standing up for working families, lowering costs, defending our freedoms, and passing a state budget that reflects our actual needs and values,” Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch said in a statement.
“In November, voters across North Carolina will have the chance to finish what voters in Phil Berger’s district just started — ending the Republican supermajority once and for all, and restoring balance to our great state,” she said.
Page faces a Democrat in the November election in the Republican-favoring district.
Within hours of Berger’s concession, the North Carolina Democratic Party sent out a fundraising email from its chair, Anderson Clayton.
“This is a seismic shift in North Carolina politics, and these don’t come often. Help us break the one-seat Republican supermajority and elect Democrats to the Senate by donating any amount today,” Clayton said, followed by a fundraising link.
The Republican Senate contenders
As Lee expressed his interest in the leadership role, he also praised Berger.
“For more than two decades of service, including 15 years as President Pro Tempore, Senator Phil Berger has led with discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to North Carolina. His impact on our state and our institution will be felt for generations,” Lee said.
.JPG "RAL_082225-SENATE-APPROPRIATIONS-TEL-03 (1).JPG")
“I am aware that conversations have begun about the future leadership of the Senate. I respect those who are engaging in those discussions, and I am prepared to step forward to provide the leadership needed to meet the challenges ahead and to guide the Senate into its next chapter,” he said.
Lee, who is also a top budget writer, went on to say that there will be “an appropriate time for those discussions. For now, we pause to thank a leader who has given so much to this state and to the Senate.”
Other names repeatedly mentioned by political insiders as possibilities to replace Berger are Sen. Todd Johnson of Union County, who is a Senate whip, and Lee’s appropriations co-chairs: Sen. Brent Jackson and Sen. Ralph Hise.
Hise told WRAL-TV that he plans to seek the job, too. Johnson and Jackson have not responded to N&O requests for comment.
Berger still in Senate for short legislative session
When former House Speaker Tim Moore left the legislature for Congress, his top lieutenant replaced him: current House Speaker Destin Hall.
While Moore planned to leave, Berger was ousted by another Republican. So this session is a chance for him to solidify the legacy he wants to leave behind, and settle any scores.
The House and Senate haven’t been working together for several months, and Berger and Hall have not been negotiating a budget deal, instead dug in on either side of their tax trench.
A senator hoping to lead Republicans after the 2026 election still needs to work well with Berger this session.
Berger, as he was conceding defeat, also pledged to support fellow Republicans with races in November.
“Looking ahead, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the short session to ensure North Carolina continues to be the best state in the nation in which to live, work, raise a family and retire. In the months ahead, I will also do everything I can to support all Republican Senate candidates and protect our supermajority,” Berger said Tuesday in a statement.
Ahead of the primary, Berger told The N&O that he had not thought about who might succeed him as leader if he lost, but that he was going to serve out the rest of his term.
This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 10:38 AM.
