In a closely watched and tightly contested Senate race, Democratic Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania officially conceded to Republican Dave McCormick on Thursday evening. The race, one of the narrowest in the state’s history, was decided by just over 16,000 votes—well within the 0.5% margin required for an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law. Casey’s concession ends two weeks of uncertainty and solidifies McCormick’s victory as a key Republican flip in the 2024 election cycle.
In a statement acknowledging his defeat, Casey expressed gratitude to election officials and affirmed the integrity of the electoral process. “I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey 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.”
Reflecting on the razor-thin margin, Casey added, “This race was one of the closest in our Commonwealth’s history, decided by less than a quarter of a point. I am grateful to the thousands of people who worked to make sure every eligible vote cast could be counted, including election officials in all 67 counties.”
During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.”
Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8
— Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) November 21, 2024
Senator-elect Dave McCormick responded with a gracious statement, thanking Casey for his service and vowing to represent all Pennsylvanians. “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. “I am so honored to represent every single citizen in Pennsylvania in the United States Senate and will fight for you every day. Thank you!”
McCormick’s victory marks a significant shift in the Senate, contributing to the Republican Party’s new 53-47 majority in the 119th Congress. Pennsylvania’s flip was one of several critical wins for the GOP in a cycle that saw the party reclaim control of the upper chamber.
The Pennsylvania Senate race was marked by intense campaigning, reflecting the state’s critical role as a battleground in national politics. With McCormick’s victory, Republicans gain a stronger foothold in a key swing state, and the party’s majority will likely shape the legislative agenda for the coming term.
Casey’s concession signals the end of an era. A three-term senator and a fixture in Pennsylvania politics, Casey had long been a prominent figure for the state’s Democrats. His acknowledgment of the election results, despite the close margin, underscores the importance of preserving trust in the democratic process.
For McCormick, the path ahead will involve addressing the diverse needs of Pennsylvania’s electorate and navigating the challenges of a divided political landscape. His victory speech hinted at a focus on unity and bipartisan efforts, though the pressures of a Republican majority will undoubtedly test those commitments.
