Phil Berger is a Republican state senator representing District 26 in North Carolina, encompassing Guilford and Rockingham counties. Born on August 8, 1952, in Danville, Virginia, he serves as Senate President Pro Tempore, a position he has held since 2011, making him one of the state's most influential legislators. He has served 13 terms in the Senate, first elected in 2000, and practices law at The Berger Law Firm in Eden, NC, where he lives with his wife Pat, three children , and four grandchildren.

Notable achievements include leading Republicans to a Senate majority in 2010—the first in 140 years—and co-chairing key commissions like the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and the Legislative Services Commission. He previously represented District 30 from 2019-2023 and has been involved in major policy shifts, such as tax reforms and Medicaid adjustments.

Education

• JD, Wake Forest University School of Law .
• BS in Sociology, Averett University .
• Associate's in Business Administration, Danville Community College .

Berger was the first in his family to graduate college, working jobs like factory labor, grocery clerk, and produce manager to fund his education, later painting apartments while in law school.

Political Experience

• Senate President Pro Tempore, North Carolina State Senate .
• State Senator, District 26 ; District 30 .
• Former Republican Leader and Deputy Minority Leader, NC Senate.
• Co-Chair, Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations; Member, Legislative Research Commission; Co-Chair, Legislative Services Commission.
• Attorney, The Berger Law Firm ; Walker, Melvin & Berger LLP ; Clerk, NC Court of Appeals .
• Unsuccessful NC House campaign .