ANALYSIS: First Flight of TV Ads From Berger Highlight Key Differences With Primary Opponent
This week, State Senator Phil Berger released his first round of television ads ahead of the March 3rd Primary. Berger is a longtime Senate leader who helped Republicans win legislative majorities for the first time in a century, ushering in a wave of conservative policies that made North Carolina a top state for business. He faces a challenge in the Republican Primary from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, who is a long time local opponent of Berger.
The Berger-Page primary will received outsized attention in North Carolina politics, given the importance of Berger to the conservative movement and likely shift of North Carolina politics to the left without Berger’s leadership.
In the first ad, Senator Berger highlighted his endorsement from President Trump, who said “Phil Berger has served as the Highly Respected Leader of the North Carolina Senate for over a decade, helping us deliver massive and historic victories across the state.”
The second ad, highlighted Berger’s commitment to keeping men out of women’s sports and his record on expanding school choice across North Carolina.
The third and final ad, showcased Berger’s record of cutting taxes, which helped countless small businesses across North Carolina.
Berger’s decision to highlight the Trump endorsement and his record on school choice and taxes sets up a sharp contrast with Sherif Page. In contrast to Berger, Page disrespected President Trump by turning down the President’s offer to join to administration. As the Blue Ridge Times reported, national school choice leaders have eviscerated Sam Page for opposing school choice, and Page supports the House's proposed budget that would change the law to increase the tax burden on North Carolinians.
Berger is setting himself to run on alignment with President Trump, fighting for common sense in schools, and continuing to cut taxes, in contrast to his opponent. These are winning issues in Republican primaries.
