This is the Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Monday March 16 2026.

In his article today on our site entitled All the Kings Men, Jonathan Bridges discusses the David and Goliath victory of Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page over 16 year political veteran and current Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger.  Mr. Berger joins several Republican incumbents here in North Carolina and over 150 across the country who were told by voters in no uncertain terms that their direction and leadership in office was not acceptable.

Voters in North Carolina were also smart enough to see through a ploy by the very left-leaning NC Educators on the Ballot who put recently registered – but not ideologically converted – Democrats on the Republican ballot in primary races.  They tried that six times in our state – and all six lost. 

Many talented and gifted Republican incumbents – such as David Rouzer – were also affirmed by the electorate in the primaries. 

Primary election day was a great  example of voters not needing any term limit  laws.  Despite the enormous amount of funds in this campaign, voters decided on their own whether they trusted an established candidate or wanted new blood – and if that new blood passes a sniff test of genuine Republican values.  Term limit laws would have severely limited choices – including the recognition that some politicians are genuinely good at what they do – and are good for our country and our state – and should and must be sent back to work for us. 

We must always hold our elected representatives accountable for their actions.  In North Carolina we demonstrated that we are quite capable of doing so. 

But – unlike those who suggest we must limit the terms of those who are gifted in the leadership of our state and country – we must instead always protect the rights of voters to choose who they want.

For the Wilmington Standard, I’m Reuel Sample.  Thanks for listening.