Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) officially conceded the Senate race to Republican Dave McCormick on Thursday evening after a closely contested election and weeks of recounts. This decision came after controversy erupted over comments made by a Bucks County official regarding the recount process, which included a suggestion that invalid ballots might be counted. The official later apologized for her remarks, but the controversy lingered throughout the process.
Casey’s concession followed a tight race, with McCormick winning by a narrow margin of just over 16,000 votes, well within the 0.5% range required for an automatic recount. While the race had triggered heightened scrutiny due to its closeness, the situation became even more complicated after Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia (D) suggested that undated or misdated ballots might be counted. This comment raised concerns about the integrity of the recount and led to widespread debate.
🚨BREAKING
Weeks Later McCormick Wins!
Bob Casey officially concedes the Pennsylvania Senate Race to Trump-endorsed Republican, Dave McCormick. With attempts at counting illegal ballots failed, Casey had no where else to turn. They made a mockery of election integrity! Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/mLcOVr8vuz— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) November 21, 2024
“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey said in his concession statement. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard.”
Ellis-Marseglia’s remarks had sparked outrage, especially from Republicans, who accused her of attempting to violate state law. She later apologized for her comments, blaming a “misinterpretation” of her words. “I apologize for all the upset and confusion it caused,” she said, distancing herself from the idea of counting invalid ballots. Despite this apology, the damage had been done, and the focus on potential irregularities in the recount overshadowed the election’s final outcome.
Democrat Sen. Bob Casey finally concedes Pa. race to GOP’s Dave McCormick, weeks after it was called https://t.co/uYgi4xY9l4 pic.twitter.com/15lqF6bY12
— New York Post (@nypost) November 22, 2024
McCormick, who will now represent Pennsylvania in the Senate, took a conciliatory tone in his victory speech, thanking Casey for his decades of service. “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.”
