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U. S. Senate
Following an uncontested primary, the 2024 race for U.S. Senate features two familiar faces. Bob Casey, who’s served Pennsylvania longer than any other Democratic Senator, is running for an unprecedented fourth term on his support for the Pa. economy, local labor, and healthcare access. Dave McCormick, running again following a defeat in the 2022 primary campaign, has advocated for competition-driven reforms. Three additional third-party candidates are running to both candidates’ left (Leila Hazou) and right (Marty Selker and John Thomas). Casey remains the favorite in most polls.
Bob Casey
Biography
Incumbent. Son of 42nd Gov. of Pa. Grew up in Scranton. Columbus School of Law (Catholic University). Former Pa. Auditor General and failed gubernatorial candidate. First elected to the Senate in 2006 against Rick Santorum and comfortably re-elected in 2012 and 2018. First three-term Democratic Senator in Pa. history. This would be his fourth term.
Abortion
Though he has previously identified as a “pro-life Democrat,” says “it was a mistake to overturn Roe v. Wade.” Supports codifying access to abortion and fertility treatments such as IVF.
Healthcare
Advocates for price caps on prescriptions. Wants to expand CHIP and enroll every child in Medicaid at birth. Hopes to increase funding for rural hospitals and the VA. Supports “strong healthcare benefits” for Americans with disabilities.
The economy
Calls himself a “champion for organized labor.” Has pushed for a $15 minimum wage. Pledges to use the Federal Trade Commission to punish price-gougers. Cites record of support for Inflation Reduction Act and other economic bills.
Environment
Has supported both natural gas extraction and environmental regulation. Boosted creation of hydrogen hub in western Pa. Directed federal funding for electric vehicle charging and brownfield cleanup.
Immigration
Supports boosting border security while bringing undocumented immigrants “out of the shadows.” Advocates for “fair opportunity” for asylum requests. Says he will work with Central American countries to address the root causes of mass migration.
Dave McCormick
Biography
Grew up in Greater Pittsburgh. West Point grad and Princeton Ph.D. Gulf War veteran and former McKinsey consultant turned hedge fund CEO. Served under George W. Bush and sat on national security advisory board under Trump. Defeated in 2022 GOP Senate primary by Mehmet Oz, who lost to John Fetterman. Primarily resided in Connecticut until at least 2022.
Abortion
Says voters “need to get past” end of Roe. Identifies as pro-life. Has supported exceptions to abortion bans for rape, incest, and saving the life of the mother. Does not support a national ban on abortion access. “Strong supporter” of fertility treatments such as IVF.
Healthcare
Supports better healthcare, including mental healthcare, for veterans. Says Affordable Care Act has “failed” but does not seek a full repeal. Wants to ban social media for children under 16, citing poor mental health outcomes.
The economy
Cites experience as CEO and says he will “rein in government spending, oppose tax increases, and exercise fiscal responsibility.” Says cryptocurrency is “critical to our national security.” Wants “market-driven solutions” for economic issues.
Environment
Supports “an ‘all of the above’ energy agenda” that includes expanded extraction of natural gas. Says “America must be energy independent” and decries China and India’s contributions to global emissions. Frames choice between energy and the environment as “false tradeoff.”
Immigration
Says immigrants are taking Pa. tax dollars. Pledges to “support our border patrol agents with the resources they need” to combat human and drug trafficking. Accuses Casey of supporting “sanctuary cities.” Says “we need to go across the border into Mexico.”
Third Parties
Biography
Marty Selker (Constitution): Clarion County native. Truck driver for the oil and gas industry. Leila Hazou (Green): Pike County resident. MBA from Loyola (Baltimore). Palestinian American. Small business owner. John Thomas (Libertarian): Kittanning resident. IUP grad. Educator.
Abortion
Selker: Says he “will fight to end taxpayer funding for abortion.” Hazou: Supports restoration of Roe protections and seeks greater protection for physicians. Thomas: Pro-life. Says voters supporting Roe but not opposing vaccine mandates “like killing babies” rather than favoring bodily autonomy.
Healthcare
Selker: Wants to “repeal Obamacare and promote free market healthcare solutions.” Hazou: Says “healthcare is a right” and supports Medicare for All. Thomas: Unknown
The economy
Selker: Seeks to reduce “government overreach” by lowering taxes and cutting regulations. Hazou: Wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and supports bolstering public housing supply. Thomas: Wants to “stop money printing” to end inflation. Supports privatization of government agencies where possible.
Environment
Selker: Wants to “unleash American energy” and says current environmental policies hurt farmers. Hazou: Supports the Green New Deal. Thomas: Unknown
Immigration
Selker: Says he will secure border and pledges harsh penalties for people caught human trafficking. Hazou: Cites blighted towns as evidence of need for immigrants to restore Pa. communities. Thomas: Says McCormick’s plan would make immigration crisis worse.
This article appears in Oct 16-22, 2024 and Election Guide (Late 2024).
