Phil Berger, Sam Page clash over taxes, transparency and school choice in Rockingham forum

At a Rockingham County Republican Party forum, incumbent state Senate leader Phil Berger and challenger Sheriff Sam Page traded barbs over tax policy, education and transparency in a three-round debate format.

Berger characterized his record as delivering for the county — crediting his leadership with major tax cuts for North Carolina and saying he helped bring business investment and infrastructure dollars to Rockingham County. He cited endorsements and argued that his conservative leadership had tangible economic effects for the district.

Page framed his campaign as a call for accountability and citizen input. He criticized legislative moves he said lacked local buy-in — naming Medicaid expansion and recent pushes to expand casino-style video lottery terminals — and called for greater public records transparency in the legislature.

Both men sought to draw contrasts on education and public-safety priorities: Berger defended school-choice policies and touted conservative priorities enacted under his tenure; Page emphasized a need for representatives who remain connected and accountable to citizens in the district rather than political insiders in Raleigh.

The exchange also touched on campaign conduct and outside spending. Page pointed to negative advertising and what he called outside expenditures influencing the race; Berger responded by rejecting attacks on his record and political motives and reiterating his record of delivering projects to the county.

Neither candidate proposed specific veto-proof legislative packages in the forum, and many of the financial and programmatic claims (tax-savings totals, infrastructure dollars delivered) are campaign assertions that require public-record verification. Both urged listeners to review records and vote in the upcoming primary.