Berger Concedes NC Senate Race to Page by 23 Votes

0:00On March 25, North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger conceded defeat in his Republican primary race Tuesday night. He lost to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by just 23 votes after recounts confirmed the tiny margin. The Greensboro area seat was separated by only two votes on election night. A machine recount and partial hand count sealed Paige's win. President Donald Trump had endorsed Berger back in December, calling him an America first patriot. This marks a rare stumble for Trump's picks and primaries to cycle, though Trump also praised Paige. Berger congratulated Paige in a statement, highlighting 15 years of Republican changes in the state assembly. Paige thanked Berger for his service and his call to concede after a tough campaign. Berger has let Senate Republicans since 2005 and shaped the party's control for nearly 15 years. He pushed recent moves on election oversight and congressional maps to boost GOP chances. Paige's opposition to a dropped casino proposal fueled his challenge.

1:01With the district-leaning Republican, he's favored to hold the seat in November, signaling a shift in state politics.