Bob Casey Concedes To Competitor Dave McCormick

Bob Casey conceded the Pennsylvania Senate race to Dave McCormick, changing the political landscape.

At a Glance

Pennsylvania will have a new Senator, with Democrat Bob Casey conceding to Republican Dave McCormick in the election.
The election was one of the closest in Pennsylvania’s history, prompting a recount.
Pennsylvania was the only swing state to elect a Republican senator in the presidential contest.
The race’s legal battles included disputes over mail-in ballots and recounts.

Election Results and Recount

Pennsylvania will have a new Republican Senator as Bob Casey conceded to Dave McCormick. The election was one of the closest in Pennsylvania’s history, with McCormick leading by about 16,000 votes, necessitating a recount due to the margin being within half a percent.

Casey issued a statement on November 21 revealing that he had reached out to McCormick to congratulate him on his victory. He said, “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last.”

The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on November 7. However, legal battles ensued over ballot discrepancies and mail-in voting rules. Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled against counting ballots lacking a correct handwritten date, a decision challenged by certain counties.

Senator Bob Casey has conceded in the race for reelection to the U.S. Senate to Republican Dave McCormick. https://t.co/Y2sC4kYlGb

— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) November 21, 2024

Campaign Strategies

McCormick’s campaign prioritized economic issues, inflation, energy independence, and immigration, while Casey focused on reproductive rights, workers’ rights, and the opioid crisis.

“Senator Bob Casey dedicated his career to bettering our Commonwealth. Dina and I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese, and their family for their decades of service, hard work, and personal sacrifice,” McCormick said following Casey’s concession.

The Pennsylvania Senate race was marked by challenges including legal battles over ballot counting, underscoring the high stakes and polarization in contemporary electoral politics.

Political Implications

Republicans will now hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. McCormick’s victory represents Pennsylvania’s shift as the only swing state to elect a Republican senator during this electoral cycle, offering a significant deviation from previous trends.

This election also signifies a Republican trifecta, with control over the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Presidency, leading to potential shifts in national policies aligned with their platform.