Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) conceded the Senate race to Republican challenger Dave McCormick on Thursday, ending a bitter recount process that had been marked by controversy. The race, which was decided by a margin of just over 16,000 votes, became a focal point of discussion due to comments from a Bucks County official suggesting that invalid ballots might be counted during the recount. The official later apologized, but the controversy had already cast a shadow over the election.
Casey’s decision to concede followed a recount that had been triggered by the narrow margin between the two candidates, falling within the 0.5% range that requires an automatic recount. The tension surrounding the recount grew after Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia (D) implied that ballots with missing or incorrect dates might still be counted, even though state law clearly prohibits it. Her comments led to accusations that the integrity of the recount process was being compromised.
🚨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 a statement. “This race was one of the closest in our Commonwealth’s history, decided by less than a quarter of a point, and I am grateful to those who worked hard to ensure that every vote was counted.”
Ellis-Marseglia’s comments quickly gained national attention and led to a backlash, with critics accusing her of undermining the election process. After receiving widespread criticism, Ellis-Marseglia issued an apology, claiming that her comments had been misinterpreted. “I apologize for all the upset and confusion it caused,” she said. While her apology sought to quell the controversy, it left lingering doubts about the recount’s integrity.
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 has now flipped the seat for Republicans, thanked Casey for his years of service. “Dina and I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese, and their family for their decades of service,” McCormick said. “I am honored to represent every single citizen in Pennsylvania and will fight for you every day.”
