Republican candidate Dave McCormick has declared victory in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania, according to a statement released by his campaign. McCormick is leading against incumbent Democrat Bob Casey by nearly 35,000 votes. However, NBC News reports that the race is still too close to call. Despite this, McCormick's campaign maintains that his lead is insurmountable and he will be the next Senator from Pennsylvania.
McCormick, a former hedge fund executive, and Casey engaged in one of the more negative and personal Senate races of the cycle. Casey criticized McCormick for maintaining a residence in Connecticut in addition to his Pennsylvania home, labeling him an out-of-touch carpetbagger. Despite this, McCormick managed to secure the quick support of Senate Republicans’ campaign operation and an early endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump.
On the other hand, Casey, the son of former senator and governor Bob Casey Sr., has won statewide elections six times prior to 2024. His campaign remains confident that he will be re-elected.
According to NPR, with McCormick's victory, Republicans have expanded their Senate majority in the next Congress to 53 seats, with two races still to be called.