By John L. Micek | Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Pennsylvania’s senior U.S. Senator, Democrat Bob Casey Jr., of Scranton, will seek a fourth term in 2024.
Casey, the son of the late Gov. Robert P. Casey Sr., announced his plans to supporters in an email on Monday morning.
“It’s an honor to represent my fellow Pennsylvanians in the Senate, and it is their trust that drives me to get up every day and fight for Pennsylvania’s working families and communities,” Casey, 62, who was first elected in 2006, wrote.
The announcement comes at a key moment for Democrats, who will look to defend their majority in the upper chamber, and as they try to retake the U.S. House in 2024.
Casey, who formerly served as Pennsylvania’s elected auditor general and state treasurer, cruised to re-election in 2018, beating Republican Lou Barletta, of Hazleton, 55.7%-42.6%. He boasts strong support among organized labor and education unions. He is a solid ally of President Joe Biden, who spent a portion of his childhood in Scranton.
In that same email, Casey warned supporters that U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “and the GOP are already coming for this seat. I won’t be able to win this re-election fight alone.”
But it’s not immediately clear if Republicans can field a strong enough candidate to oust Casey, an accomplished fundraiser and experienced campaigner. Businessman David McCormick, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, has been mentioned as a possible GOP rival in 2024.
In a statement, Pennsylvania Democrats welcomed Casey’s announcement.
“Pennsylvanians have elected Senator Casey three times because they know that he always fights for our working families. He’s spent his life fighting for the dignity of a livable wage and has been a defender of Pennsylvania’s hardworking people,” Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Sharif Street said. “He’s standing up to the ultra-wealthy and special interests that threaten Pennsylvania’s hardworking people – from countries like China that threaten our jobs, to big insurance companies that are raising our health care costs. Senator Casey is a proven leader.”
