Republican Dave McCormick has been declared the winner in Pennsylvania’s highly contested Senate race, unseating Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey. This marks a significant shift in a state considered a critical battleground for both parties. However, Casey’s campaign refuses to concede, citing tens of thousands of uncounted ballots.
On Thursday, Casey’s spokesperson, Maddy McDaniel, released a statement emphasizing the importance of ensuring every vote is counted.
“As the Pennsylvania Secretary of State said this afternoon, there are tens of thousands of ballots across the Commonwealth still to count, which includes provisional ballots, military and overseas ballots, and mail ballots,” McDaniel stated. “This race is within half a point and cannot be called while the votes of thousands of Pennsylvanians are still being counted. We will make sure every Pennsylvanian’s voice is heard.”
Despite trailing McCormick by a narrow margin, Casey’s team remains hopeful that uncounted ballots could turn the tide in their favor.
Casey, who has held his Senate seat since 2008, faced one of his toughest reelection campaigns this cycle. McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO, Army combat veteran, and Bush administration official, ran a strong campaign with a focus on Pennsylvania’s economic and energy issues.
The race was closely watched as a bellwether for national politics, with both parties pouring substantial resources into the contest. Pennsylvania, a state that has swung between Republican and Democratic presidential candidates in recent elections, played a pivotal role in determining Senate control.
Casey enjoyed robust support from President Joe Biden, who frequently campaigned alongside him, highlighting their shared vision for the state and the country. “Bob Casey is a man kids can look up to,” Biden said at a rally, underscoring Casey’s focus on family values and public service.
McCormick, on the other hand, was backed by former President Donald Trump, who called him “a good man” and “a smart guy.” Trump’s endorsement energized the Republican base, particularly in rural and suburban areas.
The two candidates clashed on a range of issues, from immigration and law enforcement to inflation and energy policy.
Casey’s Platform:
- Abortion Rights: Emphasized protecting access to abortion, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings.
- Inflation: Criticized “greedflation,” blaming corporate greed for rising consumer costs.
- Energy: Supported Pennsylvania’s energy sector while promoting environmental protections.
- Infrastructure: Advocated for improved infrastructure in rural communities.
McCormick’s Platform:
- Economic Policy: Focused on curbing inflation, which he attributed to Biden’s policies.
- Law Enforcement: Promised to bolster law enforcement and accused Casey of being soft on crime.
- Second Amendment: Strongly supported gun rights.
- Energy Production: Vowed to expand Pennsylvania’s natural gas and coal industries, positioning himself as a champion of the state’s energy legacy.
Both candidates faced scrutiny during the campaign.
Casey was criticized for his ties to organizations supporting the “defund the police” movement. McCormick and his supporters used this to question Casey’s commitment to public safety.
On the other hand, McCormick’s opponents highlighted his residency in Connecticut, where his children attend school. Democrats argued that McCormick was out of touch with the needs and concerns of Pennsylvanians.
With 99% of votes counted, McCormick’s win marks a historic moment, flipping a seat Democrats have held for over a decade. According to projections, McCormick secured 57% of the vote in Starr County, a traditionally Democratic stronghold.
The result underscores shifting political dynamics in Pennsylvania. Rural counties, which once leaned Democratic, have increasingly turned red, reflecting broader national trends.
Political analysts believe McCormick’s victory signals growing frustration with the Biden administration’s policies, particularly on the economy and immigration.
While McCormick celebrates his win, Casey’s campaign is not backing down. The race remains “too close to call” officially, according to Casey’s team, until all provisional, military, and mail-in ballots are counted.
McCormick’s victory, if upheld, could tip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, complicating President Biden’s legislative agenda. For Republicans, it represents a critical win in their quest to regain control of Congress.
“This victory is not just about Pennsylvania,” McCormick said during his victory speech. “It’s about sending a message that we will fight for American values, secure our borders, and restore economic prosperity.”
For now, all eyes remain on Pennsylvania as the final ballots are tallied, determining whether McCormick’s win will stand or if Casey can pull off a last-minute comeback.
