HARRISBURG, Pa. — Tonight, Democratic Senator Bob Casey and his Republican rival, David McCormick, will engage in their second debate, with significant implications for Senate control and a substantial influx of campaign funding weekly.
During their initial debate two weeks prior, Casey emphasized his view of McCormick as a wealthy former hedge fund CEO, accusing him of gaining riches at the expense of everyday Americans and suggesting that McCormick will prioritize the interests of the wealthy.
Conversely, McCormick characterized Casey as an ineffective, career politician disconnected from the needs of constituents, arguing that Casey consistently aligns his votes with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
As mail-in voting has already commenced in this crucial swing state, the stakes are high. The outcome of this fiercely contested election, which is among the costliest in the nation, may play a pivotal role in determining which party secures control of the tightly divided Senate.
Casey, who is one of the most recognized political figures in Pennsylvania, is campaigning for a fourth term, describing this cycle as his most challenging electoral battle to date.
At 64, Casey has been a steadfast supporter of Biden’s initiatives, including the substantial $1.9 trillion relief package established during the pandemic, and remains a strong advocate for labor unions. As the longest-serving Democrat in Pennsylvania’s Senate history, having secured victory in six statewide elections, he emphasizes themes such as protecting the middle class, safeguarding abortion rights, supporting labor rights, and ensuring voting rights. He regards both McCormick and former President Donald Trump as threats to these values.
McCormick, aged 59, is vying for the Senate seat for the second time after a narrow defeat in the 2022 Republican primary against Dr. Mehmet Oz. He previously served as CEO of Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund globally, held a position on Trump’s Defense Advisory Board, and occupied key roles under President George W. Bush. His experience includes being a Commerce undersecretary, overseeing policies on sensitive technology exports, and a Treasury undersecretary during the recession to mitigate bank failures.
His political stances align with Trump’s, endorsing the extension of the 2017 tax cuts and supporting a mass deportation policy aimed at undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds. While McCormick opposes abortion rights, he has stated that he would not support a national ban on abortion.
Significant topics in this race include border policies and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Democrats currently maintain a slender majority in the Senate, but face daunting challenges in the 2024 electoral map.
According to Federal Election Commission disclosures, this single race has seen expenditures surpassing $190 million, with forecasts suggesting total spending could exceed $320 million by Election Day, based on ad tracking data from AdImpact.
The debate, lasting an hour, will commence at 7 p.m. and is hosted by WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, which will broadcast it live. Univision 65 in Philadelphia will also simulcast it with Spanish translation. Online streams will be available through both stations, as well as through ABC News Live and Univision’s VIX.
Both candidates were unopposed in securing their party nominations. Other candidates in the race include John Thomas from the Libertarian Party, Leila Hazou of the Green Party, and Marty Selker representing the Constitution Party, none of whom were invited to participate in the debate.