Pennsylvania’s closely contested Senate race between Republican Dave McCormick and incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) is now headed for a statewide recount. While McCormick leads by over 29,000 votes, Casey has refused to concede, fueling concerns over Democratic efforts to challenge the outcome.
The recount was triggered automatically under Pennsylvania law due to the margin of 0.43% separating the candidates. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced that counties must begin the recount by Nov. 20 and submit results by Nov. 27. The process is estimated to cost taxpayers over $1 million.
Despite projections declaring McCormick the winner, Democrats are pursuing legal challenges, led by prominent attorney Marc Elias. Critics argue these efforts aim to include questionable ballots that could alter the results. The Wall Street Journal editorial board described the situation as an attempt to “steal the seat” for Casey.
McCormick currently holds 48.93% of the vote compared to Casey’s 48.5%. Election experts have noted that the margin is unlikely to shift significantly during the recount, which raises questions about the purpose of Democratic legal strategies.
Republicans have expressed concern over Democratic attempts to include ballots that may not meet state election laws. This has reignited debates over election integrity and the potential misuse of recount procedures to sway outcomes.
With results expected the day before Thanksgiving, the recount will not only determine Pennsylvania’s next senator but also set a precedent for how contested elections are handled in the future. Conservatives are calling for vigilance to ensure the recount process adheres strictly to the law.
