North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger is trailing his Republican primary challenger by two votes, according to unofficial state election results released Wednesday morning.

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page leads Berger 13,077 to 13,075 votes in the closely contested race. The narrow margin highlights the competitive nature of the primary challenge against one of North Carolina's most influential Republican figures.

Berger has served as a major force in North Carolina politics and played a key role in the state's redistricting efforts. His position as Senate President Pro Tempore makes him one of the most powerful figures in the state capital.

Despite receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, Berger finds himself in an unexpectedly tight race that could significantly alter the political landscape in North Carolina if the results hold.

The extremely close margin means the race remains effectively undecided pending final vote counts and any potential recounts. Such a narrow difference could trigger automatic recount procedures depending on state election laws and final certification processes.