Phil Berger

Biography

Phil Berger is a Republican state senator from Eden and the Senate minority leader.

Early Life and Education

Philip Edward Berger was born Aug. 8, 1952, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to Francis and Eunice Berger. His father was a factory worker; his mother, a homemaker. 

His family moved to southern Virginia when he was a toddler. 

He graduated from George Washington High in Danville, Va., in 1970.

He then studied at Danville Community College, then earned a bachelor of science in sociology at Averett College (now University) in 1980.

He then went to Wake Forest University School of Law, graduating in 1982.

Professional Career

After college, he practiced law in Charlotte and clerked for a year at the N.C. Court of Appeals for Judge Eugene Phillips.

In 1984, he moved to Eden and joined a law practice, Walker Melvin and Berger.

In 2001, he left to start his own practice, focusing on general practice.

Political Career

He served on the Rockingham County Board of Elections during Gov. Jim Martin's administration.

In 1994, he ran for the state House, losing in the Republican primary to Wayne Sexton.

In 2000, he won an open seat in the legislature.

After the 2004 election, he became the Senate minority leader, chairing meetings of the Republican caucus, working on bills with Republican senators and serving as the public face of the GOP opposition. 

In November of 2008, he successfully fended off two challengers to remain in the post for a third term.

Research and reporting by Ryan Teague Beckwith.

Occupation

Contact Info

Email: philbe@ncleg.net

Education

Military

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