Sen. Bob Casey Concedes To Dave McCormick In Final Blow To Senate Democrats

“Bob Casey was, is, and always will be Pennsylvania’s best senator," fellow Sen. John Fetterman said Thursday.

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey (D) conceded to Republican Dave McCormick on Thursday, solidifying the GOP’s majority in the Senate despite an ongoing statewide recount effort.

“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey said in a video posted to social media. “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 race was called for McCormick by The Associated Press two weeks ago, but the state has been undergoing an automatic recount as the margin was within a 0.5% threshold. Republicans will hold a strong 53-47 majority in the chamber beginning in late January.

Democrats had hoped to hold on to the seat, which Casey has held for three terms since he was first elected in 2006. But President-elect Donald Trump’s power in the state helped elevate McCormick, a former hedge fund manager and Gulf War veteran, to Congress.

“This race was one of the closest in our commonwealth’s history,” Casey said in a statement. “I am grateful to the thousands of people who worked to make sure every eligible vote cast could be counted.”