Pennsylvania officials announced on Wednesday that the Senate race between Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, and Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick has triggered an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law. The tight margin in the race led to this decision.
McCormick was projected as the winner on Nov. 7, and he has already attended new-senator orientation in Washington. Despite Casey not conceding, Republicans are projected to hold the Senate majority with 53 seats to Democrats' 47.
As of Thursday morning, with 99% reporting, McCormick had 3,383,676 votes, or 48.91%, compared to Casey’s 3,357,191, or 48.52%, a difference of 26,485 votes, or 0.39 percentage points.
Counties must start the recount no later than Nov. 20 and complete it by noon on Nov. 26 once all ballots are counted. The recount is expected to cost taxpayers more than $1 million, according to election officials.
McCormick's spokesperson, Elizabeth Gregory, stated that the lead is insurmountable for Casey and called the recount a waste of time and taxpayer money. McCormick declared victory in Pittsburgh, thanking Casey and his family for their service to the commonwealth.
Casey, a three-term incumbent, accused McCormick of trying to 'disenfranchise' voters with lawsuits. He emphasized the importance of counting all votes and letting the democratic process unfold.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer initially declined to invite McCormick to the new-senator orientation due to outstanding votes. However, under pressure from GOP senators, Schumer eventually agreed to invite McCormick and Democratic Sen.-elect Ruben Gallego to the orientation.
