Republican David McCormick, former CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund, has secured victory in Pennsylvania’s closely watched US Senate race, defeating incumbent Democrat Bob Casey, The Associated Press reports.
The win solidifies the Republican majority in the Senate and marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the key battleground state.
McCormick accused Casey of supporting policies that led to economic instability and a weakening of national security. He attributed his victory to the public’s desire for “common-sense leadership,” echoing Trump’s message that resonated strongly in Pennsylvania.
Republican strategists credit McCormick’s success to Trump’s strong showing in the state, winning the presidential contest by a narrow margin. This, coupled with broader dissatisfaction with the Biden administration, propelled McCormick to victory, they say.
The defeat represents a major setback for Pennsylvania’s Democratic establishment. Casey, a well-known figure in state politics, had held the seat since 2007 and enjoyed a record of winning statewide elections. However, this was the first time he faced a race alongside a Trump-led ticket, a factor that appears to have contributed to his loss.
While Casey has yet to concede, McCormick maintains a lead of approximately 31,000 votes, representing a half-percentage point advantage. The campaign’s focus now shifts to counting remaining ballots, including provisional, military, and overseas votes.
McCormick leveraged his experience as a top official in the George W. Bush administration and his leadership role in the financial sector to secure support for his campaign.
His message resonated with voters concerned about economic hardship, border security, and national security, while his energetic campaigning, including appearances at Trump rallies across Pennsylvania, helped solidify his connection with voters.
