What to know about Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race
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The showdown between Pennsylvania's U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D) and Republican challenger Dave McCormick is tight — and a political analyst tells Axios it could come down to undecided voters.
Why it matters: It's one of the nation's most expensive and competitive Senate races, which could decide the balance of power in the chamber.
The big picture: Casey is seeking a fourth term, having represented the Keystone State in the Senate since 2007.
- McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO, is running for office again after losing the Republican Senate primary to TV personality Mehmet Oz in 2022.
By the numbers: Spending on the contest is still expected to outstrip most Senate races this election cycle, with more than $300 million in ad spend and reservations this year, per AdImpact data as of Friday.
Zoom in: McCormick has focused his campaign on cooling inflation and implementing tougher immigration policies.
- He has called for an end to U.S. investment or trade that benefits China's Communist Party, referring to the country as an "existential" threat to the U.S. — a stark pivot that came after McCormick faced questions about Bridgewater's investments in China while he was in charge.
Meanwhile, Casey has pointed the finger at corporate greed as a culprit for rising costs in Pennsylvania.
- He's sponsored bills to curb price-gouging and targeted "shrinkflation" — or companies' practice of decreasing the size of consumer goods without lowering prices.
- Casey has also pushed for a fairer tax system, opposing cuts for corporations and millionaires.
What they're saying: The race hasn't generated as much attention as the 2022 race compared to the steady drumbeat of news that defined the matchup between then-Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Oz, St. Joe professor emeritus and political commentator Randall Miller tells Axios.
- That's in part because voter attention has diverted to the presidential race. But many undecided voters will tune in as the Senate race heats up, he says.
What's ahead: The candidates will face each other in a series of debates next month.
- The first takes place Oct. 3 in Harrisburg, followed by a televised debate in Philadelphia on Oct. 15.
- The candidates are negotiating a third debate in Pittsburgh.