A conservative’s endorsements in key NC Republican primaries

The most consequential choice Republicans have in this primary election is in the hands of the voters of Senate District 26. That’s the seat currently occupied by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger.

Berger has been arguably the most powerful politician in North Carolina for 15 years now, and he’s used that position wisely. In that time, he shepherded scores of conservative reforms into law, reshaping North Carolina into the best state for business and a magnet for newcomers from across the country.

There is no chance that his opponent, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, would be as effective a legislator as Berger has been. In a candidate forum, it was painfully obvious that Page does not have command of the issues. While his campaign refrain of “we the people” is endearing, Page would have a steep learning curve to master the ins and outs of state policy.

Under normal circumstances, Republicans should be cautious about throwing away two decades of experience in favor of a new representative.

However, the scales have now tipped in favor of doing just that.

Berger began to lose his grip on his district during his ill-fated push to force a casino on Rockingham County. As discontent mounted back home, Berger became increasingly brazen in using the considerable power he wields to save his own skin. He’s ruled more by force than persuasion, undercut perceived rivals for control and put partisan gamesmanship over public service.

That posture has shown up in Raleigh, too. In the budget fight over the past year, Berger has insisted on a fiscally reckless structure that the House has been wise to eschew. I fear that Berger’s plan would force the state to more fully embrace gambling and marijuana to balance the budget.

Democrats lost their control of North Carolina when their entrenched leadership drifted from public service into pure power politics. I fear that’s where Republicans are headed.

The party would be wise to impose term limits on its leaders, preventing any one person from becoming too enmeshed in their position. It wouldn’t be without precedent: Until 1979, tradition dictated that Senate presidents pro tem and state House speakers could serve only a single two-year term.

Absent that, it’s up to voters to impose the term limits. That’s the opportunity Republicans in Guilford and Rockingham counties have right now.

To his credit, Berger has spent the past year much more visible in his own district. Should he win, I hope that he’ll have learned not to take his district for granted and continue that. Still, at this point, Berger’s quest to keep his seat feels more like a personal vendetta rather than a desire to serve the state.

New House Speaker Destin Hall has brought a refreshing perspective to his leadership of the lower chamber. At long last, it is time for a similar fresh start in the Senate chamber.

For that reason, I endorse Sheriff Sam Page for state Senate.

U.S. Senate

Normally a U.S. Senate race would be more compelling than a state Senate one, but this is the position we find ourselves in. The federal version has drawn more than a half-dozen names, but there are really only two choices: Michael Whatley and Don Brown.

Whatley is the former chairman of both the Republican National Committee and the N.C. Republican Party, and has President Donald Trump’s endorsement. He’s a tireless worker and a team player who has earned his shot for the nomination.

With a lot less money and connections, Brown has nonetheless traversed the state and garnered considerable enthusiasm among the plugged-in portion of the base. He’s no gadfly, unlike fellow candidate Michele Morrow.

However, the ultimate goal is defeating Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper. It will be a tough slog for anybody, but Whatley has the better shot. I endorse Michael Whatley for U.S. Senate.

U.S. House District 1

The newly redrawn eastern North Carolina Congressional district is now more friendly for Republicans, and thus has drawn considerable interest from the party. Laurie Buckhout, who previously ran and lost to incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Davis, appears to be the front-runner in the limited polling available.

Buckhout is well-funded and has plenty of Washington connections, though her credibility has been called into question through her bumbling attempts to clear the field in her favor. She is also deceptively trying to claim the endorsement of President Donald Trump in the race, which has not been offered in 2026.

All that notwithstanding, Buckhout would be a decent choice. However, I believe there are two better ones.

Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck and state Sen. Bobby Hanig both have deep roots in the district and a long track record of public service. Buck, in particular, has shown tremendous work ethic in criss-crossing the 23 counties that make up this sprawling district.

However, Hanig has shown a remarkable level of independence and political bravery in his tenure in the General Assembly. That experience in navigating a legislative chamber and challenging its leadership on behalf of his constituents would be invaluable in Congress.

Because of that, I give Hanig a slight nod. I endorse state Sen. Bobby Hanig for Congress.

Court of Appeals

Two Republicans are vying to unseat Democratic Court of Appeals Judge John Arrowood. Both Superior Court Judge Matt Smith and Administrative Law Judge Michael Byrne are experienced, competent jurists who would serve admirably on the appellate court.

Smith has been running as part of a Republican slate that includes state Supreme Court candidate Sarah Stevens and judge Craig Collins and George Bell for the other two appellate court seats. That institutional backing is valuable. But it also calls into question a judge’s independence at a time where the North Carolina court system sorely needs to demonstrate its legitimacy.

Running independently, Byrne has racked up endorsements across the state, including from several key law enforcement organizations. He has a laudable track record of arguing cases before the Court of Appeals, winning each case decided at that level.

For that reason, I endorse Judge Michael Byrne for Court of Appeals.

Contributing columnist Andrew Dunn is the publisher of the Longleaf Politics newsletter, which offers thoughtful analysis of North Carolina politics and policy from a conservative perspective. He can be reached at andrew@longleafpol.com.

This story was originally published February 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM.