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2h ago

Berger Denies Quid Pro Quo With Trump as Reports Link Possible Endorsement to North Carolina Map Redraw

No Trump endorsement or redistricting move tied to such a deal has been confirmed.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 25: U.S. President Donald Trump takes a question from a reporter during a meeting with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office at the White House on September 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has signaled that the U.S. might lift a ban on F-35 sales to Turkey during Erdogan's first visit to the White House since 2019. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Local reporting, citing unnamed sources, alleged Phil Berger would accept a presidential endorsement in exchange for redrawing North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District to target Rep. Don Davis.
  • Berger publicly rejected the claim, saying he has not spoken with President Trump about an endorsement and calling the allegations a lie.
  • While denying any talks with Trump, Berger said the state could redraw congressional lines this year to help Republicans maintain their U.S. House majority.
  • Democrats condemned the reported plan as partisan manipulation, with Rep. Deborah Ross and state party chair Anderson Clayton issuing sharp statements.
  • Berger faces a 2026 GOP primary challenge from Sheriff Sam Page, Trump has not endorsed Berger as of Friday, and NC-1 remains the state’s most competitive U.S. House seat.