Despite several media outlets declaring the victory for McCormick, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the race remains undecided due to the 100,000 remaining ballots to count.
McCormick, a Republican candidate, has not been allowed to attend the orientation for new U.S. senators following reports of his win in the Pennsylvania Senate race. Schumer’s spokesperson emphasized that the race will only be deemed decided once all votes are counted, as is customary.
The Associated Press and other outlets announced McCormick’s victory on Nov. 7, but incumbent Senator Bob Casey has refrained from conceding, citing the ongoing processing of thousands of ballots in Pennsylvania.
Top Republicans criticized Schumer’s decision to withhold McCormick from Senate orientation, with Senate Minority Whip John Thune calling it “beyond unacceptable.”
As of Monday, McCormick leads Casey by a narrow margin, with a potential recount if the percentage difference is 0.5 or less. McCormick, a military veteran and former Bridgewater Associates official, entered the 2024 Senate race after an unsuccessful 2022 primary bid.
Other notable candidates awaiting orientation invitations include Rep. Ruben Gallego from Arizona and confirmed winners like Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio).
The new Congress is projected to have at least 53 Republican Senate seats after two years in the minority.
