Efforts by Pennsylvania Democrats to overturn the results of the Senate race could soon land some key figures in legal trouble. Republican Dave McCormick, who has already won the seat, continues to face opposition from ousted incumbent Sen. Bob Casey and his legal team, led by Marc Elias, who are attempting to drag out the results through a recount.
The recount process, required under Pennsylvania law, began on November 20 and is set to end by November 26. While McCormick’s victory has been confirmed by the Associated Press, Casey’s camp is continuing its legal challenges. The delay in finalizing the results has raised concerns about the integrity of the election process, with McCormick’s legal team fighting for a swift conclusion.
Historically, recounts have rarely altered the outcome of statewide elections. A review by FairVote of 6,929 recounts between 2000 and 2023 found that only three resulted in the trailing candidate winning. McCormick’s victory seems unlikely to be overturned, but the ongoing recount raises questions about the motives behind the delay. McCormick has filed lawsuits to challenge votes that he claims were unlawfully counted, including ballots in Bucks County that did not meet the state’s strict requirements.
McCormick’s legal action is not driven by fear of losing the election, but rather by a desire to uphold the law and prevent the counting of illegal ballots. His campaign has made it clear that the purpose of these legal challenges is to protect the integrity of the election. Critics, however, are calling out the Democratic efforts to prolong the process, suggesting that they may be attempting to sow doubt about the results.
As legal battles continue, questions about potential corruption and misconduct have emerged. Critics point to violations of election law by Casey’s supporters and the troubling behavior of election officials. With Pennsylvania’s election laws clear on what constitutes a valid vote, the Democrats’ attempts to stretch the process could result in serious consequences.
The push by Casey and Elias to challenge the results is seen by many as an unnecessary and dangerous move, one that could undermine public trust in the election system. As the recount progresses, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with McCormick’s campaign calling for the legal system to uphold the rule of law.
