We should know by Thanksgiving who the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania will be, incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) or Republican Dave McCormick. Many thought was almost over—and AP called it for McCormick who is down in D.C. at new senator orientation—when Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt announced a recount on Wednesday.
In a press release, Schmidt said the recount was triggered because under state law, there is aone-half of 1 precent margin between the two.
As of today, the unofficial returns from all 67 counties showed Robert P. Casey Jr. – 3,350,972 (48.50 percent) and David H. McCormick – 3,380,310 (48.93 percent).
Once counties finish counting their ballots, they must begin the recount no later than Wednesday, Nov. 20. They must complete the recount by noon on Nov. 26 and must report results to the Secretary by noon on Nov. 27. Results of the recount will not be published until Nov. 27.
The Department estimates that the recount cost will exceed $1 million of taxpayer funds.
Casey, who has served in the Senate for 18 years is seeking a fourth term. McCormick, a West Point graduate who served in combat in Iraq and then became a successful businessman, ran for the Senate before but narrowly lost to Dr. Mehmet Oz in the Republican primary in 2022. That race also triggered a recount.
This is the eight recount triggered by the 2004 law.
As of Wednesday afternoon, As of this afternoon, county election officials reported there are 60,366 uncounted provisional ballots and 20,155 uncounted mail-in and absentee ballots. That 80,521 total includes all ballots for which county boards of elections have not yet made a final resolution regarding their validity or eligibility to be counted, the Department of State said in a news release.
RNC election lawyer Linda Kerns noted that all counties must recount all their ballots, which involves rescanning them.
McCormick spokeswoman Elizabeth Gregory said, “”Senator-Elect McCormick’s lead is insurmountable, which the AP made clear in calling the race. A recount will be a waste of time and taxpayer money, but it is Senator Casey’s prerogative. Senator-Elect McCormick knows what it’s like to lose an election and is sure Senator Casey will eventually reach the right conclusion.”
Casey’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
