Tensions Rise As Deadlocked PA Senate Race Still Too Close To Call

PENNSYLVANIA — Nearly a week has passed since the primary election in Pennsylvania, and the tightest race for the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate is still close to call. With the final mail-in ballots still trickling in, celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and former George W. Bush administration official David McCormick are deadlocked.

Oz holds a very narrow lead, 418,445 to McCormick's 417,478, as election officials continue to work and the question of a formal, weeks-long recount looms over the entire process. It's a tiny margin that has continued to shrink since election night.

The race, which will feature Lt. Gov. John Fetterman of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, has long been seen as crucial to the future balance of power in the Senate. The race to replace outgoing Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey is the only 2022 Senate race in a state which President Joe Biden won in the 2020 election.

Former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Oz in the weeks leading up to the primary, urged Oz to "declare victory" Tuesday night, even as votes remained uncounted. On Monday, Trump responded to a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed that compared his debunked claims of election fraud in 2020 to 2022.

"To the WSJ Editorial Board: Is Pennsylvania still O.K.?" Trump shared on Truth Social, his new social media platform. "6 Days and Still Counting. Gee, I wonder why? France, one day and done. Get a NEW BOARD (if it actually matters)!"

As other analysts have pointed out, however, no matter who wins, it will be because of mail-in ballots. Both Oz and McCormick received tens of thousands of votes by mail-in ballot.

Days before, Trump wrote, "Stop FINDING VOTES in PENNSYLVANIA! RIGGED?”

Oz himself, meanwhile, has not echoed Trump's claims of fraud. He has, however, insinuated that the election should be called in his favor and that McCormick's campaign is using "Democrat" legal tactics to try to win.

Those "Democrat" tactics involve an ongoing court case over whether or not ballots that do not have a date written on them should be counted. Politico reports that in Philadelphia alone, there were at least 100 such ballots.

"David McCormick has been a formidable opponent, but it is becoming obvious that he is likely going to come up short to Dr. Mehmet Oz," a weekend statement reads. "Unfortunately, the McCormick legal team is following the Democrat's playbook, a tactic that could have long-term harmful consequences for elections in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

While it is not yet clear exactly when a recount would take place, it appears all but certain that one will be held. If a recount is triggered, that process would likely take weeks, dragging the race into June at least.

When asked about the election and the comments from Oz and Trump, McCormick largely deferred, while expressing confidence in victory.

"Politics is not for the faint of heart," McCormick said, adding, "I always thought it would be a great privelege to run."