Hedge fund manager David McCormick admitted the Republican Senate’s primary election in Pennsylvania to the well-known TV dr. Mehmet Oz.
McCormick announced the decision on Friday, interrupting a retelling process of the May 17 contest.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved this campaign,” McCormick said. “We saw a historic turnout in the Republican primary, and I’m proud to say that about 419,000 Republican voters put their trust in my campaign.”
The Pennsylvania primary was one of the most competitive races to see so far in this midterm election cycle. McCormick and Oz were separated by less than 1,000 votes on election day, triggering the Pennsylvania law that a recount must be made if a candidate’s margin of victory is 0.5% or less.
The recount began last week and should be completed by June 7th. The final results are expected to be announced on June 8.
“We spent the last 17 days making sure that every Republican vote was counted in a way that would result in the will of Pennsylvania voters being fulfilled,” McCormick said as he admitted. “That’s what it’s all about, that’s what this process is about.”
“But it’s not clear to me, with the recount pretty much complete, that we have a nominee,” McCormick continued, “and today I called Mehmet Oz to congratulate him on the victory.”
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate David McCormick greets supporters at the Indigo Hotel during a primary election night on May 17, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Jeff Swensen / Getty Images, FILE
McCormick said he will work to unite Republicans and Pennsylvania behind Oz ahead of the general election.
Oz said he is “extremely grateful” for McCormick’s promise to help his campaign.
Oz rocked the race in late 2021 with the announcement that he was joining the primary field. He then obtained the coveted support of former President Donald Trump in April. Trump had called on Oz to declare victory over McCormick just the day after the May 17 primary, as it was too close to proclaim.
Oz must face Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who easily won the Democratic nomination last month after suffering a stroke a few days before the election.
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks at a meeting in Greensburg, Pa., May 6, 2022.
Jeff Swensen / Getty Images, FILE
The Pennsylvania seat, held by retiring Republican Senator Pat Toomey, is considered one of the Democratic Party’s best chances of flipping a seat in the 50-50 divided Senate.
Fetterman revealed Friday that he nearly died from the health episode, saying he ignored warning signs for years and “should have taken my health more seriously.” Fetterman was operated on the same day as the Senate primary.
“It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s something I hope others can learn from,” Fetterman said. “So please: listen to your body, and pay attention to the signs. Because ignoring them – and avoiding the doctor because you might not like what they have to tell you – can cost you your life.”
Fetterman said it may take him some time before he is back on the campaign track, but that he will be “ready” for the November general election.
Oz said Friday: “Now that our primary election is over, we want to make sure that this U.S. Senate seat does not fall into the hands of the radical left, led by John Fetterman.”
