Berger threatens to redraw congressional districts, but denies talking to Trump about it

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger said the state could redraw its congressional districts to help Republicans hold the U.S. House of Representatives, but he denied that he has spoken with President Donald Trump about the idea. He also denied allegations that he offered redistricting in exchange for Trump’s endorsement in the 2026 GOP primary.

Berger posted on social media in response to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had reposted to his 2.6 million followers on X coverage of allegations that Trump would endorse Berger in exchange for redistricting.

Republican states across the country have redistricted their congressional districts to help the GOP keep its slim majority in the U.S. House. Newsom has pledged to add more Democratic seats in California in return.

“I’ve been watching what’s going on in California with Gavin Newsom trying to steal the Republican majority in Congress,” Berger wrote. “We have drawn four Congressional maps in the last six years in redistricting fights with Democrats because of their sue-until-blue strategy. If we have to draw one more map this year, we will. That said, I’ve never spoken to President Trump about this or an endorsement. The Democrats are spreading lies to hurt President Trump.”

As Senate leader, Berger is one of the state’s most powerful Republicans. But he has faced increased pressure over his Rockingham County seat in recent months.

GOP primary challenger Sam Page, the county’s sheriff, has criticized Berger for expanding the state’s gambling laws and failing to pass a comprehensive state budget this year, among other things.

A Trump endorsement could improve a Republican candidate’s odds of winning the party’s nomination in Rockingham. Voters in the county overwhelmingly supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Carolina Forward, a policy group that campaigns against Republicans, claimed on social media Wednesday night that Berger asked Trump for his endorsement in the race, alleging that Berger offered to redraw the state’s 1st Congressional District to “rig it” against Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis in exchange for the endorsement. The group cited a single unnamed source, and said it was “just a rumor.”

State Sen. Terence Everitt, D-Wake, on Friday wrote a letter to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman asking her to investigate claims about Berger. Freeman told WRAL that she hasn't seen enough evidence to warrant an investigation.

"At this time regarding Senator Berger, the only items Sen. Everitt refers to are social media posts and press coverage which I have reviewed," Freeman said.

She continued: "Wake County jurors rightfully expect proof. If there is someone who is the 'unidentified source' referenced in the initial article that wishes to come forward and be interviewed by the State Bureau of Investigation, that can be arranged."

The 1st Congressional District is the only true swing district in the state. North Carolina’s other 13 congressional districts are drawn to heavily favor Republicans. The GOP holds 10 of those seats.

Davis, who narrowly won the seat in 2024, is expected to face another competitive race in 2026.

Republicans control the North Carolina legislature and therefore control the drawing of voting districts every ten years.

Page, Berger's GOP opponent, said in a statement: “If President Trump wants those Maps redrawn, that should come with no strings attached.”

Berger campaign spokesman Dylan Watts responded: “Page is so desperate for attention he’s campaigning on Democrat lies and telling President Trump what to do.”

Page’s campaign later clarified, saying Page would be “open to input from the president on any range of topics,” but added that such input shouldn't come with a promise in return from a North Carolina lawmaker.

A White House spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Democrats accused Republicans of unfairly drawing voting districts across the country to favor the GOP. Republicans have accused Democrats of doing the same thing in other states.

“North Carolina Republicans have already rigged our maps in their favor, but they are now planning to go even further,” U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, a Democrat who represents the Raleigh area, said in a statement that also criticized redistricting efforts by Republicans in other states.

“We will fight these corrupt redistricting plans in every single state," she added. "We will fight for our democracy and for American voters who are tired of corrupt leaders silencing their voices.”

A spokesperson for the North Carolina Republican Party declined to comment.

The party not in control of the White House has historically done well in midterm elections. Democrats took the House of Representatives in 2018 during Trump’s first term in office. The Democratic-controlled House impeached Trump twice.

Republicans hold 219 seats and Democrats hold 214 seats after the results of a special election in Arizona on Tuesday night. There are two vacancies.

House Speaker Destin Hall, whose chamber would need to approve any new election map, said last month that he’s comfortable with the state’s current congressional districts. The Caldwell County Republican spoke with radio show host Pete Kaliner about the potential of redrawing the districts. Hall said he considers California’s effort to redraw its maps an “injustice” and left the door open to reexamining North Carolina’s maps, saying: “We’ll see.”

He continued: “There’s a very competitive district in the 1st District of North Carolina. Don Davis, the Democrat there who votes with Democrats in Washington (is) very vulnerable. I think we’re going to beat him anyway under the current maps. I think we have the maps we need in order for North Carolinians to vote on this time around.”