Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman announced on Wednesday that the tied Republican Senate race in Pennsylvania between health star Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund businessman David McCormick was heading for a recount, with the conclusion being postponed until next month, Reuters reports.
With all counties reporting, Oz led McCormick by only 902 votes, falling inside the 0.5 percent margin that triggers an automatic recount. Oz’s candidacy was boosted in the campaign’s last days by support from former President Donald Trump.
Chapman stated that McCormick has not renounced his right to a recount and that the formal statement would be issued on Thursday afternoon. Counties have until June 7 to finish the recount, according to her.
The two men are seeking the Republican nomination to face Democrat John Fetterman in the midterm election on November 8 to replace retiring Republican Senator Pat Toomey.
The result puts Trump’s control over the Republican Party to the test as he considers a third presidential bid in 2024. As he strives to cement his place as party kingmaker, the ex-president has sponsored over 190 candidates, albeit his nominees have not always won.
Both Oz and McCormick have cast themselves as supporters of Trump’s nationalist “America First” policy. But they’ve both been questioned about the sincerity of their conservative beliefs and their dedication to a state where they recently returned as citizens.
Fetterman, a leftist lieutenant governor with tattoos and a goatee, has created an “everyman” appeal on the campaign trail by wearing hoodies and shorts. Hours after having a pacemaker put he won the Democratic primary over moderate U.S. Representative Conor Lamb. Doctors anticipate him to make a full recovery, he has stated.
In the race to the 2024 presidential election, the outcome of the Pennsylvania seat might decide which party controls the Senate’s 100 seats. With Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-breaking vote, the chamber is presently divided 50-50, with Democrats in command.
In addition to vacant Senate spots in Ohio and North Carolina, Republicans protect incumbent Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. In Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and New Hampshire, Democratic incumbents are jeopardized.
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