Charlotte Observer: “Page, the conservative challenger looking to unseat North Carolina’s most powerful politician, is staking his campaign on being the anti-Berger. And to a large extent, it’s working. Early polls show him with a substantial lead in the presumptive matchup.
But there’s a danger in running as a pure foil. If Page starts looking like a contrarian first and a leader second, he could throw away his shot at shaking up Raleigh’s power structure.
Berger has spent two decades not just legislating, but building. He’s helped shape modern conservative governance in North Carolina, mastering the inside game of policy, procedure and political muscle. That success has earned him loyalty, influence and, over time, some backlash.
The very strengths that make Berger effective in Raleigh have created distance back home in Rockingham County.
Enter Page. After decades as sheriff, Page is one of the most recognizable political figures in the county. He floated a run against Berger in 2024, but ultimately lost a statewide bid for lieutenant governor. Now he’s trying again, this time with a laser focus on the senate seat.”