NC Senate’s top job is up for grabs after Berger’s loss. Here’s what to know
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger — who has controlled the NC Senate for 15 years — lost his Republican primary to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. Now at least three GOP senators want his powerful position.
Here are key takeaways:
• At least three Republicans want Berger’s job. Sen. Todd Johnson of Union County confirmed he’ll seek the role. Sen. Michael Lee, the Senate majority leader and a top budget writer from the Wilmington area, and Sen. Ralph Hise have also expressed interest. Sen. Brent Jackson has been mentioned by political insiders as a possibility.
• Johnson is pitching himself as an outsider. “I’m not considered in the inner circle and the inner sanctum,” Johnson said, adding he would “have a different vision for kind of how we operate in the Senate.” He’s in his fourth term and serves as one of two majority whips.
• The role carries enormous power. The president pro tem decides which bills get committee hearings or floor votes — giving the officeholder direct control over education funding, state spending and more.
• Democrats see a political opening. Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch said the “Republican supermajority that he built is weaker today than it has ever been.” The NC Democratic Party sent a fundraising email within hours of Berger’s concession.
• The state budget still isn’t done. Lawmakers failed to pass a budget last session, leaving teacher pay, state employee raises and Medicaid funding unresolved. Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall remain at odds over tax cuts and spending, and the 2026 session begins April 21.
• A leadership vote likely won’t happen until after session. Berger’s term continues through his last day in office in December, and Johnson said Republicans are unlikely to choose a new leader until the legislative session wraps up.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
