Only Bob Casey, David McCormick eligible for Pennsylvania Senate ballot

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Republican challenger David McCormick are the only candidates on the Pennsylvania Senate ballot, the state Supreme Court ruled Friday.

The ruling prevented several other challengers from getting on the ticket, and the challenge to put a relatively unknown candidate on next month’s preliminary ticket was successful, the Associated Press reported.

This decision makes it almost certain that Casey and McCormick will win the April 23 primary election.

Incumbent Casey, who has served in the Senate since 2007, led McCormick by a wide margin in polls earlier this year. McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO, previously ran for the Senate in 2022, but lost the Republican nomination to Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Casey has a name recognition advantage, with 30% of survey respondents saying they have never heard of McCormick.

The race between both parties is likely to be one of the most expensive and high-profile races of the year, as Democrats seek to protect their majority in the Senate, according to the Associated Press.

Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, will help determine whether Democrats retain their Senate majority and reelect President Biden.

Republican candidate Joe Vodobarka had been removed from the ballot after a lower court in the state found there were not enough voter signatures to qualify.state supreme court Mr. Wodwarka’s appeal was dismissed.

Earlier this month, the court granted challenges to the paperwork of two other candidates who applied to participate in the primary ballot. Republican Brandi Tomasetti and Democrat William Parker were ordered removed from the vote, according to the Associated Press.

According to The Hill/Decision Desk headquarters, Mr. Casey is leading Mr. McCormick in a March 13 poll. Casey’s approval rating is 44.8%, while his challenger’s approval rating is 41%. Approximately 14 percent of respondents are undecided.