Pennsylvania Senate race triggers recount, with McCormick projected to win and Casey yet to concede
Pennsylvania officials made an announcement on Wednesday that the Senate race between Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, and Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick is so close that it triggered an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law. Fox News had initially projected McCormick as the winner on November 7, and McCormick had already started attending new-senator orientation in Washington. Despite Casey not conceding, Republicans are projected to have the Senate majority with 53 seats to Democrats’ 47.
As of Thursday morning, with 99% reporting, McCormick had 3,383,676 votes, or 48.91%, compared to Casey’s 3,357,191, or 48.52%, a difference of 26,485 votes, or 0.39 percentage points. According to the law, once counties finish counting their ballots, they must begin the recount no later than Wednesday, November 20, and it must be completed by noon on November 26.
This automatic recount in Pennsylvania has happened four times since the passage of Act 97 of 2004, and each time the initial results of the election were affirmed. The results of this recount will not be made public until November 27 and are estimated to cost taxpayers more than $1 million, according to election officials.
Elizabeth Gregory, a spokesperson for McCormick, stated that Casey’s deficit is too high to overcome. “Senator-elect McCormick’s lead is insurmountable, which the AP made clear in calling the race,” Gregory said in a statement. She also mentioned that a recount would be a waste of time and taxpayer money, but it is Senator Casey’s prerogative.
McCormick had declared victory in Pittsburgh on Friday, thanking Casey and his family for their years of service to the commonwealth. However, Casey, a three-term incumbent, has accused McCormick of attempting to disenfranchise voters with lawsuits.
In a video released on Tuesday, Casey emphasized that the democratic process will continue until all the votes are counted. He stated, “My priority has always been standing up for the people of Pennsylvania. Across our commonwealth, close to 7 million people cast their votes in a free and fair election.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, initially hesitant to invite McCormick to the new-senator orientation, eventually agreed to include him along with Democratic Sen.-elect Ruben Gallego, whose Arizona race against Republican Kari Lake was only called on Monday night.
The recount in Pennsylvania will be closely watched, as the results have the potential to shift the balance of power in the Senate. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
