Close races and upsets in Tuesday's Primary Elections could affect the balance of power in Raleigh — and potentially the debate over raises, cost-of-living adjustments, job cuts, and other issues important to state employees and retirees in the upcoming short session.

As you know, lawmakers did not pass a state budget last year, meaning no raises or COLAs were approved. The election results could determine whether the General Assembly takes up a budget at all in the short session or punts it to the next legislature.

The Republican primary in Senate District 26 between Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page was the main event Tuesday night. And as of Friday morning, we still don't know the outcome. Page won strongly in Rockingham County while Berger performed well in Guilford County, leaving the race extremely close. Page held a slim two-vote margin after the election-night count, meaning the race will be decided by provisional and mail-in ballots and possible recounts.

Other races also brought major changes. In Mecklenburg County, Rev. Rodney Sadler defeated Rep. Carla Cunningham in the Democratic primary after Cunningham faced criticism within her party for voting with Republicans on several veto overrides. In another rematch from 2024, Rep. Rodney Pierce defeated former Rep. Michael Wray in House District 27. On the Republican side, Darren Armstrong defeated House Freedom Caucus Chair Keith Kidwell, a result that could affect the caucus's influence in the legislature.

Several other incumbents also lost their primaries, including Reps. Kelly Hastings, Mark Pless, and Reece Pyrtle. While many sitting lawmakers held onto their seats, the results show that primary elections can reshape the political landscape before the general election and influence the debates lawmakers will have when they return to Raleigh.

For more analysis of the primary results and what they could mean for state employees and retirees, click here to listen to the latest episode of The SEANC View Podcast.

You have the chance to fight for your raises and COLAs! Be sure to plan to attend our Lobby Day on May 6 to make your voice heard! Click here for details and to reserve your spot.