In Pennsylvania’s high-stakes Senate battle this fall, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick emerged as the official candidates after winning their uncontested primaries. McCormick, a hedge fund executive and former Bush official, has the support of Trump and GOP leaders in the state. However, he faces an uphill battle as Republicans have struggled in Pennsylvania since Trump’s victory in 2016. Casey, a three-term incumbent, often polls ahead of Biden in the state and is expected to be a tough opponent for McCormick in the Senate race.
In the presidential and Senate primaries, both Trump and Biden were projected to win their parties’ nominations as they were running unopposed. However, there was intrigue as voters on both sides had the chance to submit protest votes. A Democratic effort encouraged voters to write in “uncommitted” to express opposition to Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Turnout in the non-competitive primaries could offer clues about the enthusiasm of each side’s supporters heading into the November election.
In a House Democratic primary in the Pittsburgh area, Rep. Summer Lee faced off against Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel. The race tested sentiments over the war in Gaza, with Lee being a prominent critic of the Israeli war effort and supported by progressives like AOC. Lee was considered a favorite in the race, despite some outside support for Patel. In another key House primary, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick looked to fend off a challenge from anti-abortion-rights activist Mark Houck in the 1st District.
Other general election matchups were set in competitive House races, including Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright facing off against Republican businessman Rob Bresnahan in the Scranton-area 8th District, and Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio against GOP state Rep. Rob Mercuri in the 17th District. Republicans are aiming to maintain their slim majority in the lower chamber this year, with Democrats looking to unseat Republican incumbents in down-ballot races for attorney general, treasurer, and state auditor.
Overall, Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Casey and McCormick, along with key House contests, will be crucial in determining the balance of power in Congress’ upper chamber this fall. The state, a critical battleground, will be closely watched as both parties look to secure victories in the upcoming election. Voter turnout in the non-competitive primaries may provide insights into the level of enthusiasm among supporters in the state, as both sides gear up for a contentious and closely watched battle in November.
