Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Bob Casey, Jr. checks the lectern before the start of the final day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Chicago.
Bill Clark | Chongqing Roll Call Company | Getty Images
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey lost his race for a Pennsylvania Senate seat to Republican opponent Dave McCormick on Thursday.
Shortly after Casey conceded, NBC News predicted McCormick would win. The narrow advantage of the game triggered a automatic recountresults are expected to be announced on Wednesday.
“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey said in a statement. Videos on X. “With the first count completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward knowing their voices are heard, whether their vote is the first to be counted or the last to be counted.”
McCormick thanked Casey in a statement, saying Casey “has dedicated his career to improving our Commonwealth.”
“I am honored to represent every citizen of Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate and will fight for you every day,” he added.
McCormick was declared the winner earlier this month after The Associated Press declared him the winner of the race. Still, Casey held out hope as the votes were counted, despite criticism from Republicans that he was waiting to concede.
With 99.8% of expected votes counted, McCormick received 48.8% of the vote and Casey received 48.6%. Just over 16,000 votes separated the two candidates.
McCormick’s victory solidified the Republican Party’s slim majority in the Senate, which will hold 53 seats in the next Congress. His victory could make it easier to confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks.
Starting in January, Republicans will control the White House and majorities in the House and Senate.
