The political establishment just got a reality check in North Carolina, where Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page has declared victory over longtime state Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger in what may be the most expensive state legislative race in history – and Berger LOST by just two votes.
According to Queen City News, Page is leading Berger by a razor-thin margin of two votes in the Republican primary for NC Senate District 26, prompting Page to declare victory despite the incredibly close margin that will likely trigger a recount.
But here's what should have every American asking questions: How does someone spend $10 MILLION on a single state Senate seat and still lose? Warren Cole Smith of The Assembly reported that "Phil Berger and his advocates spent $10 million to keep his state senate seat. That's right, a STATE SENATE seat. And right now he's losing in a close race that is likely headed for a recount."
"Phil Berger spent $8.2 MILLION (MILLION) on lying negative ads in a state senate race, got Trump's endorsement, and still lost," posted political observer Sloan Rachmuth on social media. "People want him G-O-N-E because he's corrupt."
This race exposes everything wrong with establishment politics. When an incumbent politician has to spend $8-10 million – more than many congressional races – just to try to hold onto a state Senate seat, it tells you the people are FED UP with business as usual.
The fact that Berger had Trump's endorsement but still couldn't seal the deal shows that even presidential backing can't save politicians when voters have had enough. Sheriff Page's grassroots campaign clearly resonated with Republicans who want fresh leadership, not more of the same insider dealing.
Rachmuth's call for federal oversight of any recount speaks to the broader concern about election integrity that resonates with conservative voters nationwide: "We demand that the Feds oversee any recount and canvassing."
This upset victory – if it holds – sends a clear message that the American people are done with corrupt politicians who think they can buy their way back into office. Sometimes David really does beat Goliath, even when Goliath has $10 million and a Trump endorsement.
Will this stunning defeat of a big-spending incumbent signal a new wave of anti-establishment victories across America?