RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Top Republican North Carolina state Senator Phil Berger is expected to accept an endorsement from President Donald Trump in his 2026 primary challenge in exchange for redrawing congressional maps, several sources told CBS 17 on Thursday.
Berger, a longtime leader in the North Carolina Senate, is running against Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. He currently represents District 26, which includes Rockingham and Guilford counties.
The potential endorsement may come on any day in exchange for Berger redrawing Congressional District 1 – all part of an effort to oust current U.S. Representative Democrat Don Davis, sources told CBS 17.
Senator Berger has served in the state Senate since 2000. The race against Page is the first major challenge the senator has faced in keeping his seat. Berger already has endorsements from other state officials, including State Auditor Dave Boliek.
CBS 17 has reached out to Berger’s team and the White House for comment, but we have not heard back.
Democratic House Rep. Deborah Ross issued a statement in response to the news in which she wrote:
“If reports are true, North Carolina Republicans have truly stooped to a new low. Accepting a political endorsement in exchange for engaging in partisan gerrymandering is nothing less than blatant, unapologetic corruption. North Carolina Republicans have already rigged our maps in their favor, but they are now planning to go even further simply to appease Donald Trump.
“From Texas to Missouri and now North Carolina, Republicans are waging a war on American voting rights because they know the truth – their policies are unpopular, their candidates are unlikable, and they can’t win a majority in Congress without stacking the deck in their favor.
“We will fight these corrupt redistricting plans in every single state. We will fight for our democracy and for American voters who are tired of corrupt leaders silencing their voices.”
In a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sen. Berger said if Republicans have to draw another map they will, but he did not speak to President Trump about an endorsement.
The post reads:
“I’ve been watching what’s going on in California with Gavin Newsom trying to steal the Republican majority in Congress. We have drawn four Congressional maps in the last six years in redistricting fights with Democrats because of their sue-until-blue strategy. If we have to draw one more map this year, we will. That said, I’ve never spoken to President Trump about this or an endorsement. The Democrats are spreading lies to hurt President Trump. #ncpol“
In addition to Democrats, other Republican voices are speaking out regarding the possible redistricting. This includes Sam Page.
Page is the current Sheriff of Rockingham County, and running against Berger as a Republican for Senate.
In a Facebook post, Page made the following statement:
“I’ve been hearing for for a little while now that Phil Berger’s team has been puffing out their chests and bragging that they have President Donald J. Trump over a barrel—because if he wants those maps redrawn, he’s going to have to endorse Phil Berger.
I say, if President Trump wants those maps redrawn, that SHOULD come with no strings attached—but I guess Phil Berger doesn’t think so.
Let me be clear—our Commander in Chief doesn’t owe Phil Berger a damn thing! #ncpol“
This is a developing story. Check later for updates.
