Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick was declared the winner of Pennsylvania’s closely contested Senate race on Tuesday, defeating three-term Democratic Senator Bob Casey. The win is a significant victory for Republicans, who see Pennsylvania as a key battleground in their efforts to retake control of the Senate.
McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO and Gulf War veteran, addressed supporters in Pittsburgh late Tuesday night, expressing gratitude for their trust. “Tonight, Pennsylvania has chosen new leadership,” McCormick said. “We are ready to fight for working families, secure our borders, and bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington.”
However, the Casey campaign has refused to concede, citing the narrow margin of the race and the large number of uncounted ballots. In a statement released Thursday, Casey’s campaign spokesperson, Maddy McDaniel, emphasized the need for patience as the remaining votes are tallied.
“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 said. “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.”
The Pennsylvania Department of State has confirmed that ballot counting is ongoing, with officials aiming to complete the process by the weekend. The uncounted ballots include those from overseas voters and late-arriving mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, both of which could impact the razor-thin margin.
Despite the unresolved vote count, McCormick’s campaign has already shifted into victory mode. “We’re confident in the results and trust the process,” a McCormick spokesperson said Thursday. “The people of Pennsylvania have spoken, and Dave McCormick is ready to get to work in the Senate.”
The Senate race in Pennsylvania was one of the most expensive and high-profile contests of the election cycle. Both campaigns poured millions into advertising, with McCormick focusing on economic issues and national security, while Casey emphasized healthcare, abortion rights, and protecting Social Security.
McCormick’s victory marks a significant shift in Pennsylvania politics. Casey, a well-known figure in the state, has long benefited from his family’s political legacy and his reputation as a moderate Democrat. His defeat represents a major loss for his party in a state that President Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020.
Republicans have celebrated the apparent win as part of a broader effort to secure control of the Senate. With McCormick’s victory, the GOP gains a crucial seat, bringing them closer to a potential majority. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement congratulating McCormick, calling the win “a critical step in restoring common sense in Washington.”
Democrats, however, remain cautiously optimistic that the remaining ballots could change the outcome. The Casey campaign has pointed to high turnout in Democratic strongholds, particularly in Philadelphia and Allegheny County, as a potential factor in narrowing the gap.
Election experts have noted that Pennsylvania’s counting process often leaves key races undecided for days after Election Day. In 2020, it took nearly a week to finalize results in the presidential contest, highlighting the state’s complex vote-counting procedures.
In the meantime, the race has drawn national attention, with both parties closely watching the developments. The outcome could significantly impact the balance of power in the Senate and shape legislative priorities for the next Congress.
While McCormick prepares for a transition to Washington, the Casey campaign is urging supporters to remain vigilant. “Every vote matters, and every vote will be counted,” McDaniel said. “This race is not over.”
As Pennsylvania officials work to finalize the results, both campaigns are bracing for what could be a prolonged and contentious post-election period. Depending on the final count, the race could potentially lead to a recount, adding further uncertainty to an already tense contest.
The stakes in this election reflect the high polarization and competitive nature of Pennsylvania politics. Whether McCormick’s victory holds or Casey manages a comeback, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for years to come.
Thank you Lord in Jesus’ Holy Name!