RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — 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. Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page told The News & Observer of Raleigh of his plans on Thursday. Page was first elected sheriff in 1998. Conflict with Berger surfaced in 2023 over efforts to authorize a casino in Rockingham County. Page ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2024. Berger told reporters this week he still enjoys the legislative work and that any decision wasn’t required until later in the year.… Continue Reading