The longtime sheriff in North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger’s home county says he plans to run for Berger’s seat next year regardless of whether the powerful politician seeks another term.

Sen. leader Phil Berger gavels out the Senate session after a final vote on the state budget bill Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 on the Senate Floor of the General Assembly. The bill passed the Republican-controlled General Assembly on Friday after a final Senate vote. Travis Long [email protected]

Over a year before midterm elections, a primary challenger has emerged for one of North Carolina’s most powerful GOP elected officials. Sam Page, the longtime Rockingham County sheriff, announced that he would primary for the seat that is currently occupied by Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-District 26),