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North Carolina News You Can Use

Billy Ball Explains NC: The most powerful man in North Carolina, Phil Berger

By Billy Ball, Staff Reports

March 3, 2026

Are we watching the last days of North Carolina’s most powerful political leader, Phil Berger? Billy Ball Explains NC has the latest.

North Carolina: What if I told you one politician—NC Sen. Phil Berger—has affected you more than just about anybody in the last 20 years?
And there’s a chance he could go away this year.
In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we break down the biggest under-the-radar election in the state and why you should care.
Billy Ball Explains NC is a weekly conversation about North Carolina politics, culture, and news, led by Cardinal & Pine Senior Newsletter Editor Billy Ball. Make sure to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Authors

  • Billy Ball

    Billy Ball is Cardinal & Pine's senior newsletter editor. He’s covered local, state, and national politics, government, education, criminal justice, the environment, and immigration in North Carolina for almost two decades. His reporting and commentary have earned state, regional, and national awards. He's also the founder of The Living South, a journalism project about the most interesting people in the American South.

    Have a story tip? Reach Billy at [email protected]. For local reporting that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Billy’s newsletter.

  • Staff Reports

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