Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Dave McCormick in the Pennsylvania Senate race. McCormick is running unopposed in the Republican primary and will face Democratic Senator Bob Casey Jr. in November. Trump has stated that Casey doesn’t do much, urging voters to support McCormick. The Pennsylvania Senate race is crucial in determining which party will control the U.S. Senate, as Republicans have a favorable map this year.
Democrats currently hold a slight majority in the U.S. Senate, with several key races that could change the balance of power. Republicans are eyeing seats in red states that Trump won in his 2020 election loss to President Biden, such as Ohio, Montana, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania is one of five key battleground states where Democrats are defending their seats. McCormick, a former hedge fund executive and military veteran, received Trump’s endorsement after losing the GOP nomination to Dr. Mehmet Oz in 2022.
McCormick was not present at Trump’s rally where the endorsement was made. The candidate had a prior family commitment and thanked Trump for his endorsement on social media. Trump’s visit to Pennsylvania is part of his efforts to support Republican candidates leading up to the midterm elections. Biden’s upcoming visit to Pennsylvania will focus on contrasting his economic plans with those of Trump, including tax policies.
Biden, who narrowly won Pennsylvania in the 2020 election, is returning to his childhood home of Scranton for a speech, highlighting his populist economic agenda. Trump, meanwhile, is facing a trial in New York on hush-money charges related to payments made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump has denied the allegations against him. Both former presidents are actively engaging in political activities in Pennsylvania as the state remains a key battleground in national elections.
Despite the close contest between Trump and Biden in Pennsylvania, recent polls suggest a competitive race for the state’s electoral votes. The Senate race in Pennsylvania is also closely watched, with control of the chamber hanging in the balance. McCormick’s second bid for the Senate has garnered the support of top Republican leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The influence of both Trump and Biden in Pennsylvania politics underscores the state’s significance in national elections.
