AP Announces McCormick as PA Senate Winner as Casey Holds Off on Concession

Contested Election Results Delay Senatorial Concession

Casey has continued challenge the results, refusing to step down until all votes are counted. His campaign highlighted that the current margin of less than half a percentage point warrants a complete tally before a winner is confirmed. With over 100,000 votes still uncounted, the demand for a full count holds significant weight in the electoral process.

The situation is complicated by a ballot printing issue in Cambria County, necessitating a hand-counting of votes. McCormick was anticipated to perform well in this county, which has further delayed the definitive call of the race.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has publicly urged Casey to concede, citing the conclusion of the race and the need for McCormick to begin his senatorial duties.

Election Modelers and Analysts Surprised by Outcome

The race, previously considered a tough battle for McCormick, saw a shift after the Labor Day polls, which initially showed him trailing significantly behind Casey. Despite these odds, McCormick's campaign, bolstered by significant spending in October, managed a surprising turnaround.

This Senate race was notably the second-most expensive this cycle, with financial contributions pouring in equally from both parties. However, Republican efforts intensified in the final month, likely contributing to McCormick's edge in the election.

Political analysts and election modelers, who had varied expectations and delayed their race calls, defended their cautious approach given the uncertainties with provisional ballots and the total vote count.

Implications of McCormick's Victory for U.S. Senate

McCormick’s projected win is poised to increase the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate, potentially diminishing the influence of GOP moderates. This shift could have far-reaching implications on legislative decisions and party dynamics in Congress.

Steve Daines, Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has already extended his congratulations to McCormick, underscoring the victory as a significant achievement for the Republican Party and a testament to McCormick’s robust campaign strategy.

Elizabeth Gregory, communications director for McCormick, confidently stated, “While votes continue to be counted, any way you slice it, Dave McCormick will be the next United States senator from Pennsylvania.”

Casey Stands Firm on Securing Complete Vote Count

Despite pressures to concede, Casey remains steadfast, invoking Pennsylvania’s rich democratic heritage. “It has been made clear there are more than 100,000 votes still to be counted. Pennsylvania is where our democratic process was born. We must allow that process to play out and ensure that every vote that is eligible to be counted will be counted. That is what Pennsylvania deserves,” Casey stated.

Lakshya Jain from Split Ticket provided an analysis indicating that while provisional ballots remain uncertain, a scenario where Casey emerges victorious is still within the realm of possibility, though it requires favorable conditions.

As the state awaits the final vote tally, the nation watches closely, understanding that the outcome of this race could influence the political landscape significantly. The insistence on a thorough and fair count underscores the contentious nature of this election and the high stakes involved for both candidates.