Breaking: Historic Upset in Pennsylvania as McCormick Unseats Casey in Contested Senate Race
A dramatic turn of events has captured national attention, with projections projecting Republican Dave McCormick to emerge victorious in Pennsylvania’s hotly contested U.S. Senate race, unseating longtime Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey Jr. The race, however, remains under intense scrutiny as it heads to an automatic recount.
The numbers tell the story
As of the latest count, McCormick leads by approximately 26,485 votes (48.91% to 48.52%) out of nearly 7 million ballots cast. This razor-thin margin of 0.39 percentage points has triggered an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law.
A Battle of Contrasts
The race pitted two distinct Pennsylvania figures against each other:
- Bob Casey Jr.: A three-term incumbent and son of former Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey Sr., seeking to become the longest-serving Democratic U.S. senator in state history.
- Dave McCormick: A former hedge fund CEO and West Point graduate who previously lost a 2022 Senate primary by just 950 votes
Key Campaign Issues
McCormick’s winning strategy focused on:
- Tighter border security
- Fighting drug trafficking
- Strengthening military power
- Growing Pennsylvania’s energy sector
Casey’s campaign emphasized:
- Protecting LGBTQ rights
- Defending workers’ rights
- Preserving the Affordable Care Act
- Combating the fentanyl crisis
The Money Race
Regardless of the outcome, Casey had a significant funding advantage.
- Casey raised $31.2 million and spent $23.3 million.
- McCormick raised $17.7 million and spent $9.4 million.
Legal Battles Emerge
The race has sparked several legal challenges:
- Republicans have filed lawsuits over mail-in ballot counting.
- Democrats argue against what they see as voter disenfranchisement.
- Debates over dated vs. undated mail-in ballots continue.
What Happens Next
County officials must:
- Begin the recount by November 20.
- Complete counting by noon on November 26.
- Announce final results on November 27.
The recount process, expected to cost taxpayers over $1 million, will involve running paper ballots through high-speed scanners. Historical precedent suggests major vote shifts are unlikely—none of Pennsylvania’s four previous automatic recounts have changed the initial outcome.
Broader Implications
This victory adds to Republican gains in the Senate, marking their fourth flip of a Democratic seat in the 2024 election cycle. The win particularly stings for Democrats in a crucial battleground state that helped determine the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
McCormick has already attended Senate orientation as Washington prepares for a power shift, while Casey has yet to concede, insisting on waiting for the counting of all votes. This transition marks a significant change in Pennsylvania’s political landscape and could impact the state’s role in future national elections.
The outcome of this race not only reshapes Pennsylvania’s Senate representation but also signals potential shifts in voter preferences that could influence the upcoming presidential election. As the recount proceeds, all eyes remain on the Keystone State’s evolving political dynamics.