Eric Heberlig interviewed by Elon News Network
Eric Heberlig, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, was among experts interviewed by Elon University’s student‑run news organization, Elon News Network, for the article “NC Republican senators contend for top job after senate leader’s primary loss.”
North Carolina’s political landscape shifted after longtime Senate leader Phil Berger lost his primary to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, opening an unexpected contest among Republican senators for one of the most powerful roles in state government. Berger’s 15‑year tenure concentrated significant authority in the position, but analysts say the next leader is unlikely to serve as long, with many in the caucus signaling interest in distributing power more broadly.
According to Heberlig, fundraising strength will be central to choosing Berger’s successor, as senators want a leader who can replicate Berger’s ability to raise money for colleagues and support them in competitive races.
“Who has that capacity to shake the money tree in the same way that Berger did to produce those campaign funds?” Heberlig said. “Because if you’re a Republican senator, and you think, ‘Well, what happens if I do have a competitive race, including in a primary. Am I going to have to raise all that money on my own?’ You’re going to feel a whole lot better if you think, ‘Well, the majority leader is good at this. They’ll have ample funds to help me protect my back if it’s needed.’”
Early contenders
Early contenders include Michael Lee, the current majority leader; Ralph Hise, the deputy president pro tempore and a key budget writer; and Todd Johnson, a majority whip who could represent a break from Berger’s inner circle. Other possible candidates, such as Brent Jackson and Amy Galey, have not publicly announced their intentions, and the caucus may wait until after the November midterms to select a successor.
“Part of the dynamic will be how much [Berger] stays on as a party leader behind the scenes,” Heberlig said. “The other element of that is how much the new senate majority leader tries to strike out their own path, whether they intentionally or purposely try to stake out a different route than Berger or whether they’re comfortable with continuing on the status quo.”