Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) has officially conceded the Senate race to Republican Dave McCormick, marking the end of an election process that was marred by controversy. The race, which was decided by a slim margin of over 16,000 votes, saw Casey contesting the results for two weeks, particularly after Bucks County Board of Commissioners Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia (D) made controversial remarks suggesting that invalid ballots might be counted during the recount.
The recount was triggered after the election results fell within the 0.5% threshold, which automatically mandates a recount. However, the process became tainted after Ellis-Marseglia’s comments, which raised concerns about the potential for the inclusion of invalid ballots in the recount. Her statement suggested that undated or misdated ballots could be counted, despite the clear legal prohibition against this practice.
🚨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. “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 everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure every eligible vote was counted.”
Ellis-Marseglia’s comments were met with sharp criticism, especially from Republicans who accused her of attempting to undermine the integrity of the election process. Following the backlash, Ellis-Marseglia apologized for her remarks, claiming that her words had been misinterpreted. “I apologize for all the upset and confusion it caused,” she said, attempting to calm the storm surrounding her statement.
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
Despite the controversy, McCormick emerged victorious, flipping the seat for Republicans and giving the GOP a 53-47 majority in the Senate. McCormick thanked Casey for his years of service and vowed to fight for every Pennsylvanian. “Dina and I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese, and their family for their decades of service,” McCormick said.
