Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., conceded the race for Pennsylvania’s Senate seat to his Republican opponent, Dave McCormick, on Thursday.
NBC News predicted McCormick’s victory shortly after Casey’s concession. The race’s narrow margin had triggered an automatic recount, the results of which were expected to be announced on Wednesday.
“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey said in a video on Pennsylvania can move forward knowing that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last.”
McCormick thanked Casey in a statement and said Casey “has dedicated his career to improving our commonwealth.”
“I am so honored to represent every Pennsylvania citizen in the United States Senate and I will fight for you every day,” he added.
Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and his Republican opponent, Dave McCormick.
McCormick had declared victory earlier this month after The Associated Press called the race for him. However, Casey had expressed hope as ballots were counted, even as Republicans criticized him for waiting to concede.
With 99.8% of the expected votes counted, McCormick had 48.8% of the vote to Casey’s 48.6%. The candidates are separated by just over 16,000 votes.
McCormick’s victory strengthens the narrow majority of Republicans in the Senate, which stands at 53 seats for the next Congress. His victory could make it easier for President-elect Donald Trump to confirm his Cabinet picks.
Republicans will control the White House and the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate from January.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
