Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senator Bob Casey announced on Thursday that he has conceded the highly contested Senate race to Republican challenger Dave McCormick, following more than two weeks of ballot counting after Election Day.

Casey communicated his concession in a statement, expressing his congratulations to McCormick. This news was independently confirmed by McCormick’s campaign, who celebrated their victory in what has been described as one of the closest races in Pennsylvania’s political history.

History-Making Race

“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey stated. “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.”

The outcome was exceptionally close, with McCormick emerging victorious by a mere 17,000 votes. According to unofficial results from the Pennsylvania Department of State, this narrow margin placed Casey well within the 0.5% threshold required by Pennsylvania law to initiate an automatic recount. That recount began on Monday and is set to conclude by November 26.

Ballot Counting and Recount

The Pennsylvania State Department confirmed that all counties had completed their initial accounting of votes, with the exception of ballots currently challenged. “This is a major step that marks the end of counties’ initial counting processes and signals that counties begin preparing their results for official certification,” the department said in a statement.

Countless election professionals have worked diligently since November 5 to ensure that every registered voter’s ballot was accounted for accurately. The significant effort of election officials across all 67 counties received praise in Casey’s concession statement, which thanked those committed to upholding democratic principles.

Republican Criticism and Response

As the recount unfolded, the Republican Party was critical of Casey’s initial reluctance to concede the race. They accused him of prolonging a costly recount process that they deemed unnecessary. Party officials highlighted that the recount effort could cost taxpayers upwards of million, questioning Casey’s roadmap to victory in light of the resounding defeat.

Democratic Values and Reflections

In his formal statement, Casey emphasized the importance of the democratic process and the duty of public service. “When a Pennsylvanian takes the time to cast a legal vote, often waiting in long lines and taking time away from their work and family, they deserve to know that their vote will count. That’s democracy,” he remarked.

He went on to thank his supporters via social media platform X, sharing a personal reflection from his tenure in office. “During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: ‘All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.’ Thank you for your trust in me all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime,” Casey wrote.

Legacy and Farewell

As Casey moves forward, his colleagues have expressed admiration for his dedication and service. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) remarked that the news of Casey’s concession “hits me,” expressing gratitude for Casey’s role as a colleague and mentor. “His legacy is a better Pennsylvania. Unassuming while delivering for PA for nearly two decades, he fought for working Pennsylvanians and unions, rural communities, seniors, and people with disabilities—all of us,” Fetterman stated. “Bob Casey was, is, and always will be Pennsylvania’s best senator.”