Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick are set to be the sole candidates on the ballots for Pennsylvania's April primary following a ruling by the state's highest court. This decision comes after three relatively unknown candidates faced successful court challenges to their paperwork, paving the way for Casey and McCormick to secure uncontested victories in their respective party primary elections on April 23.
The upcoming November election between Casey and McCormick is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched and expensive races in the country. This year poses a challenging Senate map for Democrats, requiring them to defend incumbents in red and swing states.
Casey, seeking a fourth term, will face McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO endorsed by the state Republican Party. McCormick narrowly lost the 2022 GOP primary to Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Pennsylvania, a crucial presidential battleground state, holds significant weight in determining the balance of power in the White House and the Senate. A potential loss for Casey could tip the scales in favor of Republican control of the Senate, which currently hangs by a slim margin.
The state Supreme Court dismissed an appeal from Republican candidate Joe Vodvarka, who was removed from the primary ballots by a lower court due to insufficient voter signatures. Vodvarka contended that he should be allowed on the ballots as the Republican voters challenging his petitions failed to notify the state elections office of their legal challenge, as required by law. The state Supreme Court's decision, conveyed in a brief two-line order, did not provide an explanation.
Earlier in March, challenges to the paperwork of two other U.S. Senate candidates filing for the primary ballot were upheld by the courts. Both Brandi Tomasetti, a Republican from Lancaster County, and William Parker, a Democrat from Allegheny County, were directed to be removed from the ballots.
As the primary election approaches, the political landscape in Pennsylvania is shaping up for a head-to-head battle between Casey and McCormick, with significant implications for the national political scene.
