Canvass Certifies Sam Page’s 23‑Vote Lead Over Phil Berger, Recount Window Opens

The result puts the Senate’s longtime Republican leader at risk of losing his seat, with a recount likely to be sought.

Overview

County canvasses in Guilford and Rockingham made the totals official at 13,136 for Page to 13,113 for Berger.
Under North Carolina’s under‑1% rule, Berger may request a recount by noon Tuesday, March 17.
A recount would begin with a machine review, with a possible hand‑to‑eye count and opportunities for election protests or litigation.
Officials had reported 17 military and overseas ballots sent, 14 of them Republican, a number insufficient to close the 23‑vote gap.
The race has drawn national attention, including a Trump endorsement of Berger, and both campaigns have established legal funds.