The 2024 elections have been over for more than 2 weeks now. But some candidates are still fighting to the bitter end.
And this Democrat finally admits their election defeat in the most humiliating way.
In a dramatic conclusion to one of Pennsylvania’s closest Senate races, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey officially conceded to Republican Dave McCormick on Thursday, ending weeks of post-election uncertainty.
The announcement came two weeks after major media outlets projected McCormick’s victory, and after a recount was called even though mathematically it would have been very difficult for Casey to reach the number of votes to win.
“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey said in a video he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Casey, a three-term incumbent, expressed confidence in the electoral process despite his defeat. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” he said.
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During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.”
— Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) November 21, 2024
Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8
The Associated Press had declared McCormick the winner on Nov. 7, but Casey initially resisted conceding, instead pushing for a statewide recount. Pennsylvania’s Department of State estimated the recount effort would cost taxpayers over $1 million.
Adding to the contentious post-election period, Democratic officials pursued a legal bid to include undated ballots from all 67 counties. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the effort earlier this week.
Despite these setbacks, Casey expressed pride in his campaign’s actions following Election Day.
“This race was one of the closest in our commonwealth’s history, decided by less than a quarter of a point,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the thousands of people who work to make sure that every eligible vote cast could be counted, including election officials in all 67 counties. I’m proud of the work we’ve done since Election Day to enfranchise voters across the state.”
When Casey conceded, McCormick led by approximately 16,000 votes out of nearly 7 million ballots cast.
McCormick, who will join the 119th Congress in January, praised Casey for his service:
“Senator Bob Casey dedicated his career to bettering our commonwealth. 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 in a statement following the concession.
“I am so honored to represent every single citizen in Pennsylvania in the United States Senate and will fight for you every day. Thank you!” McCormick added.
Senator Bob Casey dedicated his career to bettering our commonwealth. 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.
— Dave McCormick (@DaveMcCormickPA) November 21, 2024
I am so honored to represent every single citizen in… https://t.co/aUxlLZJMua
With McCormick’s victory, Republicans secure a 53-47 Senate majority as the 119th Congress prepares to begin early next year.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
