Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) finally conceded the US Senate race in Pennsylvania to Republican Dave McCormick Thursday, two weeks after media outlets called the race in favor of the GOP.
“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey, 64, said in a video posted on X.
“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 added.
The Associated Press projected McCormick to win the tight race on Nov. 7, but Casey refused to acknowledge defeat.
The three-term Democratic incumbent insisted on a statewide recount, which the commonwealth’s Department of State projected would cost taxpayers more than $1 million to complete.
Democratic officials also launched a legal effort to count undated ballots in all of the Keystone State’s 67 counties, a last-ditch bid which was struck down earlier this week by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Casey said he was “proud” of the his team’s post-election efforts.
“This race was one of the closest in our commonwealth’s history, decided by less than a quarter of a point. 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,” he said in his video message.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done since Election Day to enfranchise voters across the state,” Casey added.
At the time Casey conceded, McCormick led the race by about 16,000 votes with nearly 7 million ballots counted.
“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 released after Casey’s short concession speech.
“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!” he added.
WIth McCormick’s win official, Republicans will have a 53-47 Senate majority when the 119th Congress convenes Jan. 3.
