As the 2024 primary season nears its end and the presidential contenders are set, a large number of Pennsylvanians participated in Tuesday’s elections, casting their votes for Senate and House races, as well as for president and local positions.
President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump secured overwhelming victories in their respective primaries, facing opponents who had already dropped out of the race. Despite this, Nikki Haley, a former rival of Mr. Trump in the Republican primaries, garnered over 100,000 votes statewide.
The Senate matchup between David McCormick and Senator Bob Casey was officially confirmed, with both candidates winning their uncontested primaries.
In a closely watched House race, progressive Democrat Representative Summer Lee successfully defended her seat against a moderate challenger who criticized her stance on Israel’s war in Gaza. This race served as a test for where Democrats stand on the issue.
Here are three key takeaways from the election:
A progressive Democrat triumphs despite criticism of Israel’s military actions.
Representative Lee, known for her progressive views, faced a challenge due to her opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Despite this, she emerged victorious in the election, indicating a shift in public sentiment, especially among Democrats, regarding the conflict.
Trump and McCormick join forces after a contentious primary history.
David McCormick, who won the Republican primary unopposed for Senate, will now face off against Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey. This marks a redemption for McCormick after his defeat in the 2022 Senate primary, where he faced opposition from former President Trump.
Despite their past conflicts, Trump has endorsed McCormick for the upcoming battle against Casey, highlighting their joint candidacy on the Pennsylvania ballot in November.
‘Scranton Joe’ Biden and Trump secure primary wins, but face different challenges.
President Biden dominated the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania, showcasing strong support in a key battleground state. Meanwhile, Trump secured a decisive victory in the Republican primary, yet faced resistance from voters who supported Nikki Haley, his former primary rival.
The results suggest that Biden has a solid base in Pennsylvania, while Trump may need to work on winning over Haley’s supporters in the upcoming election.
