Sen. Casey, local officials comment on his 18 years in U.S. Senate

Nov. 23—WILKES-BARRE — The 2024 election is over, and in Northeast Pennsylvania, it marks the end of the road for three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Scranton.

Casey, 64, was defeated by Republican Dave McCormick, 59, who rode a huge red wave that rolled through Pennsylvania and across the U.S.

This week, Casey conceded the election and issued a statement:

“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate. As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last.

“This race was one of the closest in our Commonwealth’s history, decided by less than a quarter of a point. I am grateful to the thousands of people who worked to make sure every eligible vote cast could be counted, including election officials in all 67 counties.

“When a Pennsylvanian takes the time to cast a legal vote, often waiting in long lines and taking time away from their work and family, they deserve to know that their vote will count. That’s democracy.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done since Election Day to enfranchise voters across the state — no matter whom they voted for — and to ensure that the democratic process could unfold. In just a few days, we built an organization of 350 staff across the state, joined by more than a thousand volunteers, who helped more than 6,000 Pennsylvania voters make a plan to fix small issues with their ballot so their vote would be counted.

“From the 100-year-old woman in Butler County, who voted in every election since she was eligible, to the 19-year-old in Montgomery County who cast her ballot for the very first time, we made sure those voices were heard.

“And we stood up against efforts to silence and disenfranchise voters in every corner of the Commonwealth. Thanks to our work in the courts, nearly a thousand eligible voters in Philadelphia will have their votes counted, despite efforts to throw them out.

“This work mattered. And I am grateful to the many people who helped with this effort. As you know, no public official serves alone, and I have been blessed by the love and support of my wife, Terese, and our daughters, Elyse, Caroline, Julia, and Marena, all these years.

“Every day I have served in public office, I’ve fought for Pennsylvania workers, children, seniors, people with disabilities and our veterans. During that time, I’ve been guided by an…