Politics
Senator-Elect McCormick Rebukes Schumer, Will Attend Orientation Despite Efforts To Block Him
In the wake of an intense Pennsylvania Senate race, Senator-elect Dave McCormick (R-PA) has found himself at the center of a looming controversy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is reportedly blocking McCormick from participating in the upcoming Senate orientation, citing unresolved ballot counts as grounds for the hold. Despite Schumer’s efforts, McCormick has declared his intent to attend the orientation, asserting that his victory is indisputable and that the people of Pennsylvania deserve representation without delay.
The situation stems from a tightly contested race between McCormick and Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). Although the Associated Press called the race in McCormick’s favor on Thursday, Casey has still not conceded, maintaining that the remaining uncounted ballots—estimated to be around 122,000—could narrow the margin enough to shift the outcome. Currently, McCormick leads by just over 40,000 votes, with nearly all votes tallied. Republicans are urging Casey to accept the results, while Democrats, led by Schumer, hold out hope for a last-minute swing in Casey’s favor.
McCormick, buoyed by GOP allies in Washington, remains resolute. He took to social media Monday morning, stating, “Looking forward to joining the Senate freshman class of 2025 for orientation this week! I’m honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania, and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington. Let’s get to work!” McCormick’s message quickly gained traction online, receiving widespread support from Republican voters and several high-profile senators.
Looking forward to joining the Senate freshman class of 2025 for orientation this week!
I’m honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania, and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington.
Let’s get to work!
— Dave McCormick (@DaveMcCormickPA) November 11, 2024
Prominent GOP figures have been vocal in their criticism of Schumer’s stance. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) tweeted, “Schumer is not allowing @DaveMcCormickPA to participate in Senate orientation this week because Casey refuses to concede the race. What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the elections?” Rubio’s comments echo a frustration among conservatives who argue that Democrats are selectively challenging results to keep Republicans out of office.
Schumer is not allowing @DaveMcCormickPA to participate in Senate orientation this week because Casey refuses to concede the race. What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the elections?
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 10, 2024
On Friday, McCormick took legal action against the Philadelphia Board of Elections and three city commissioners, filing a lawsuit concerning provisional ballots. Nonetheless, the denial has turned into a flashpoint in the ongoing partisan battle, with both sides accusing the other of election interference. The controversy is also drawing attention to the increased scrutiny around Pennsylvania’s electoral processes, especially after recent election cycles where close counts led to protracted disputes.
“With over 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted,” stated a spokesperson for Schumer. As the count stood at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, McCormick held a lead of about 39,000 votes, according to Politico.
In a Fox News interview on Sunday, McCormick discussed the AP’s calling of the race, stating, “The AP called this race a number of days ago because mathematically, there’s no path for Sen. Casey to win.” He further noted that the decision to concede rests with his opponent, adding, “Ultimately, Sen. Casey’s going to have to decide when he’s ready to acknowledge that.”
Republicans gained control of the Senate, which had been under a slim Democratic majority.
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