The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
President Joe Biden labeled Republicans on the ballot in this year’s midterm elections as a “threat to democracy” while at a campaign event in Maryland Thursday evening.
Touching on former President Trump and his “Make America Great Again” slogan Biden accused Republicans of wanting to send the country “backward.”
“Now you need to vote to literally save democracy again,” Biden told a large crowd at the Democratic National Committee rally in Rockville, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C. “Trump and the extreme MAGA Republicans have made their choice — to go backwards full of anger, violence, hate, and division. But we’ve chosen a different path forward, the future, unity, hope and optimism.”
“We choose to build a better America,” Biden said.
Throughout Biden’s speech, he also touched on accomplishments from his administration before circling back to Republicans. The President later attempted to separate what he labeled “MAGA Republicans” from “conservative Republicans” citing Maryland’s current Gov. Larry Hogan (R), as an example of the later.
“The MAGA Republicans don’t just threaten our personal rights and economic security. They’re a threat to our very democracy,” Biden said as he wrapped up his remarks. “They refuse to accept the will of the people. They embrace, embrace political violence. They don’t believe in democracy.”
“This is why in this moment, those of you that love this country — Democrats, independents, mainstream Republicans — we must be stronger, more determined, and more committed to saving America than the MAGA Republicans are destroying America,” he said.
This is hardly the first time President Biden has attacked supporters of the former president and attempted to label them as dangers to society. In May, Biden called MAGA the “most extreme political organization in history” following the leak of a Supreme Court draft that signaled the end of Roe v. Wade.
“What are the next things that are going to be attacked? Because this MAGA crowd is really the most extreme political organization that’s existed in American history. In recent American history,” Biden told the crowd.
On Friday, Biden’s White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre doubled down and defended the President’s comments calling Trump supporters fascists.
Jean-Pierre: "What MAGA Republicans have done [is] the definition of facism… That is what that is." pic.twitter.com/4WMXk9Ga36
The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
LONDON — The BBC’s top two executives are stepping down amid mounting pressure over editorial credibility, shaking confidence in the U.K.’s national broadcaster just as it faces critical decisions on funding and governance.
On Sunday, BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News chief Deborah Turness announced their resignations. The dual departure follows weeks of mounting backlash over allegations of systemic bias in the network’s coverage — from President Donald Trump and the war in Gaza to debates over transgender rights.
Pressure Built After Leaked Memo
The tipping point came with a leaked internal memo from former BBC adviser Michael Prescott. The memo accused the broadcaster of “serious and systemic bias” across a range of politically charged topics.
Chief among them: an episode of Panorama that aired selectively edited footage of Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech. Critics said the edits gave the false impression that Trump directly called on supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. The full version of the speech did not support that claim.
Controversy also surrounded the BBC’s coverage of the Gaza conflict. Accusations included overreliance on anti-Israel voices, sourcing from extremists on its Arabic service, and distorted portrayals of children and wartime suffering.
In a separate thread of concern, BBC staff raised red flags over the network’s handling of trans-related issues, arguing its reporting often lacked balance and downplayed the contested nature of the debates.
Davie and Turness Respond
In a message to BBC staff, Davie acknowledged the broadcaster’s imperfections.
“Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect,” he wrote. “While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.”
Turness, while taking responsibility for the news division, rejected claims of structural bias.
“While mistakes have been made,” she wrote, “I want to be absolutely clear: recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”
BBC Chairman Samir Shah called it a “sad day,” affirming the board’s support for Davie but conceding the strain he had been under.
A Deeper Governance Crisis
The BBC, funded by the public through license fees, is required by charter to deliver impartial journalism. The resignations expose a deeper institutional crisis at a time when the broadcaster’s mandate and funding model are under review.
The current Royal Charter is set to expire in 2027. Debates about the future of the license fee, the role of public media, and political interference are already in motion. The timing of this leadership vacuum could have significant downstream effects.
What Comes Next
The BBC board now faces the task of finding replacements for two of its most senior posts. The outcome will shape the editorial tone and strategic direction of the broadcaster for years to come.
Internal reviews are expected, especially around how the Panorama episode was handled and whether internal warnings were ignored. Broader investigations may follow, probing the extent of bias across the BBC’s output.
In the near term, the corporation faces reputational damage. With over 100 BBC employees and 200 industry professionals having signed an open letter last year criticizing Gaza coverage, pressure is mounting not just from the public but also from within.
Regulators and government officials may push for increased oversight, new editorial controls, or funding reforms as part of the charter renewal debate.
Looking Ahead
Davie, who took over in 2020, exits during one of the BBC’s most fraught moments in recent history. His successor will inherit a broadcaster under siege — from all sides — and with a shrinking window to restore public trust before the next charter review begins in earnest.
What happens next at the BBC won’t just shape a news organization — it will help define the future of public broadcasting in a divided media landscape.
Eric Trump raised concerns about the second assassination attempt on his father, former President Donald Trump, suggesting that it might have been an “inside job” during a Monday interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Show.
The remarks came after the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, who is accused of attempting to assassinate Trump at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Federal and local authorities confirmed Routh’s apprehension on Sunday.
When Kelly asked whether the attack could have been an inside job, Eric Trump urged viewers to “entertain everything.”
“Everybody had better entertain it… twice in five weeks, you better start entertaining all of those scenarios, because something is very, very wrong,” he stated, expressing disbelief at how Routh, armed with an AK-style rifle, crossed a major highway in broad daylight without detection.
Eric Trump questioned how the alleged gunman was able to breach multiple layers of security and get within close range of his father during the incident. “He literally got across all of that holding a long gun, and no one saw this? There weren’t eyes on the street?” he asked.
He concluded by emphasizing the need to enhance security measures around the former president, stating, “We better really start locking down this perimeter, because something is awfully wrong… the world knows they are trying to get him.”
Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Republican, launched a Sunshine State gubernatorial bid on Wednesday, jumping into the race after President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for the role earlier this year.
“As a legislator and Speaker of the House, I stood with Ron DeSantis to brand our state the Free State of Florida,” Renner said in social media posts. “I’m running for Governor so that when the DeSantis era comes to an end, we can defend our victories and solve the challenges that remain.”
As a legislator and Speaker of the House, I stood with Ron DeSantis to brand our state the Free State of Florida. I’m running for Governor so that when the DeSantis era comes to an end, we can defend our victories and solve the challenges that remain. As a military veteran of two… pic.twitter.com/LFeLZOw7wx
Current Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is serving his second-consecutive term and is consequently not permitted to be elected again in 2026, said that he is not backing Renner, noting, “I think it was an ill-advised decision to enter the race.”
Florida’s state constitution stipulates, “No person who has, or but for resignation would have, served as governor or acting governor for more than six years in two consecutive terms shall be elected governor for the succeeding term.”
Renner added in his posts, “As a military veteran of two wars, a state prosecutor, and Speaker of the House, I’ve fought the tough battles, and I will never back down from the fight for our conservative values. As a father, I am committed to securing Florida’s safety and prosperity for the next generation.”
Donalds jumped into the race earlier this year after Trump strongly backed him for the role, urging him to run.
Byron Donalds via Gage Skidmore Flickr
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!” Trump declared in a Truth Social post.
Former Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who is now serving as a U.S. Senator, has also endorsed Donalds.
By David Wilson - https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidwilson1949/6056934707/in/photolist-5coszA-aeenEK-2CqzzK-8QZ5mo, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98841262
Actor Robert De Niro said during a Monday interview that he believes President Donald Trump would “never leave” office voluntarily and argued that it would be up to the public to remove him.
Speaking on MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace’s podcast, The Best People, De Niro dismissed the suggestion that Trump’s term would simply end in three years.
“I wonder what it is about people’s inability to see beyond the next three — he’s gone in three years,” Wallace said.
“Well, he will never leave. We have to make him leave. You see, he jokes now about nationalizing the elections — he’s not joking. We’ve seen enough already. And everybody’s worried about it, but he means it,” De Niro replied.
When Wallace again asked whether he believed Trump would leave in three years, De Niro doubled down.
“He ain’t leaving. No, no way. Let’s not kid ourselves. He will not leave. It’s up to us to get rid of him,” the actor continued.
De Niro also suggested that Trump might not respect midterm election results and called for widespread public demonstrations.
“You start hearing it all over now,” the actor said. “It’s up to you. Damn right, it’s about the people. The people got — like Vietnam. You got to get out there and protest. The ‘No Kings’ coming. It’s got to be not 7, 8, 9 million. It’s got to be way, way more than that.”
Robert De Niro says Trump will “never leave” office, so people “have to get rid of him” on their own.
He then calls on people to obstruct Trump’s election integrity measures at the polls in the midterms.
De Niro has been one of Trump’s most outspoken celebrity critics for nearly a decade, frequently using award show appearances, interviews, and public events to denounce the president in blunt and often profane terms. He has previously endorsed Democratic candidates and supported legal efforts against Trump, framing his activism as a defense of democratic institutions.
In an earlier appearance on MSNBC in October, De Niro praised several Democratic leaders who have challenged Trump’s policies in court and in Congress.
“There’s something,” De Niro said. “I like Hakeem Jeffries. I like… Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, they’re all great, strong. I like what Letitia James is doing. She’s fighting back. She’s saying, ‘f— you!’”
After an audible reaction from host Jonathan Capehart, De Niro continued, “I’m sorry. This is where we are. It’s what she’s saying. ‘This is it. I will not be taken down by this person. I am not afraid of him.’ And God bless her for that. And that’s how other people have to be.”
What “Vietnam-Style” Protests Could Mean Today
De Niro’s reference to Vietnam evokes the mass anti-war demonstrations of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when millions of Americans participated in marches, campus protests, and large-scale rallies in Washington, D.C., and other major cities. Those protests included peaceful demonstrations, acts of civil disobedience, and, at times, clashes with law enforcement.
In today’s political climate, a “Vietnam-style” protest movement would likely unfold across multiple fronts: coordinated national marches, sustained demonstrations in major cities, social media-driven organizing, and pressure campaigns aimed at lawmakers. Modern protest movements often rely on digital mobilization, viral messaging, and coalition-building across activist groups.
At the same time, the U.S. Constitution sets fixed presidential term limits under the 22nd Amendment, and presidential elections are administered by the states under established federal and state laws. Any removal of a sitting president outside of an election would require constitutional processes, such as impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate.
De Niro’s comments reflect a broader concern among some Trump critics that he will not actually exit the White House following the conclusion of his second term.
President Trump has frequently teased liberal meltdowns by joking he plans to pursue a third term in office.
Shortly after returning to office, Trump again referred to another term at a rally in Las Vegas on Jan. 25.
“It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve, not once but twice — or three times or four times,” Mr. Trump quipped to applause from the crowd, before adding that “no, it will be to serve twice.”
Then on Jan. 27, President Trump joked to Republican lawmakers about a third term. Speaking before the House GOP conference in Florida, Mr. Trump touted the money he’d raised for another race that he said “I assume I can’t use for myself.”
“But I’m not 100% sure because, I don’t know,” the president continued, to laughter from House Republicans. “I think I’m not allowed to run again. I’m not sure. Am I allowed to run again?”
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly tapped immigration adviser Stephen Miller to take on the role of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for policy.
Two sources with knowledge of the plans told CNN that Miller — a prominent figure during Trump’s first term and in his campaign team, and an advocate for hardline immigration policies — is now expected to hold an expanded role as the administration returns to power.
In Trump’s second term, the sources say Miller will push for a significant increase in deportations, with a reported target of over one million deportations per year—a tenfold increase from the current figures. He has been instrumental in shaping policies that align with this objective, reinforcing Trump’s broader vision of a heavily enforced immigration system.
“President-elect Trump will begin making decisions on who will serve in his second administration soon. Those decisions will be announced when they are made,” Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told CNN.
Meanwhile, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) is no longer in the running to become the next attorney general in President-elect Trump’s incoming administration.
The former Missouri attorney general will instead refocus his attention on the judiciary by helping Trump shepherd judges through the upper chamber and work to enact his agenda.
“I ran for the U.S. Senate to represent the people of the Show Me State and I’m just getting started,” Schmitt wrote on X. “The American people have given President @realDonaldTrump a mandate. A mandate to secure our border, make America energy dominant and fight for the forgotten men and women of this country.”
“We need America First fighters who don’t just say they support the agenda but who are willing to stand in the breach and actually fight for it and for the hopes and dreams of the American people,” Schmitt continued. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and be a champion for President Trump in the Senate.”
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
Vice President JD Vance had two choice words for racist troll Nick Fuentes and others like MS NOW host Jen Psaki, who have made comments about the second lady: “Eat s–t.”
“Let me be clear. Anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat s–t,” Vance told UnHerd in an interview published Sunday.
“That’s my official policy as vice president of the United States.”
He then told writer Sohrab Ahmari that “all forms of ethnic hatred” including antisemitism have “no place in the conservative movement.”
Vance’s response comes after Fuentes bashed him for being a “race traitor” for marrying his wife; Usha Vance is an American citizen born in San Diego to two Hindu Indian immigrants. Fuentes has also used derogatory terms about Indians to describe The Second Lady.
The vice president’s comments were published a few hours after he told the crowd at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest that President Donald Trump had wisely “relegated DEI to the dustbin of history.”
Vance said DEI is antithetical to American values and a meritocratic society — which made it an easy target for the second Trump Administration.
“We don’t treat anybody different because of their race or their sex,” Vance told the Phoenix crowd.
Vance continued his message about unity:
In the United States of America, you don’t have to apologize for being white anymore.
And if you’re an Asian, you don’t have to talk around your skin color when you’re applying for college. Because we judge people based on who they are, not on ethnicity and things they can’t control.
We don’t persecute you for being male, for being straight, for being gay, for being anything. The only thing that we demand is that you be a great American patriot. And if you’re that. you’re very much on our team.
Watch:
JD VANCE: "In the United States of America, you don't have to apologize for being white anymore."pic.twitter.com/Kam96xWa1o
Those comments were also well-received by the arena. His remark on white men comes a few days after a viral Compact article reported a number of professional fields had “gatekeepers [who] promised extra consideration to anyone who wasn’t a white man.”
Vice President Vance touted a number of accomplishments he said the Trump Administration has had in less than a year, including closing down the southern border. He said the crowd must continue to support the “America First Party” — echoing Donald Trump Jr., who earlier in the day said the Republican Party was no longer a thing.
Trump Jr. said it is a new era for the conservative movement — one that is constantly under attack from the Democratic Party and Republicans In Name Only (RINOs). He said those attacks are ramping up as both parties plow towards the 2026 midterm elections.
Here is what the told the AmFest crowd:
Midterms are coming around the corner and make no mistake, the Democrat Party wants to do whatever they possibly can to shut this movement down. Not just the Democrats. The RINOs.
You see the manufactured attacks on JD [Vance], myself, my father — anyone who understands that this isn’t the Republican Party anymore. It’s the America First Party. It’s the Make America Great Again Party. And we are not going back!
Watch:
🇺🇸 DON JR: "THIS ISN’T THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ANYMORE – IT’S THE AMERICA FIRST PARTY"
Don Jr. kept the fire going, this time taking aim at both Democrats and establishment Republicans, or as he calls them, “RINOs.”
A clean-energy super PAC backed by a billionaire Democratic donor is unleashing a multimillion-dollar advertising barrage against one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress—just days before Tennessee Republicans choose their nominee.
The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition has spent approximately $1.3 million opposing Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., and promoting his Republican challenger, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. The group recently committed another $700,000 for the closing days of the campaign, bringing its total investment in the race to roughly $2 million, according to Fox News Digital and Axios.
Ogles argues the onslaught is no ordinary primary intervention.
“When you have a group spending roughly $2 million in a Republican primary, that tells you how much money they’re making off of government subsidies,” Ogles told Fox News Digital.
The Tennessee Republican accused renewable-energy interests of attempting to punish him for supporting the rollback of Biden-era tax credits and subsidies.
“They’re upset that the government welfare has been taken away from them,” he added.
Democratic Megadonor Fuels PAC
Federal Election Commission records show the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition raised nearly $6.8 million through June 30, despite registering with the agency only in January. The super PAC reported more than $5.1 million in cash on hand at the end of that period, according to its FEC filings.
Fox News Digital reported that $6 million of the PAC’s funding came from Chris Larsen, the California billionaire who co-founded the cryptocurrency company Ripple.
Larsen has an extensive history of supporting Democratic candidates and organizations. His previous donations include millions for the super PAC that backed Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, along with contributions benefiting Democratic congressional committees, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC.
Axios also identified Larsen as a major supporter of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The billionaire has made climate activism a central focus of his philanthropy and has invested in climate-technology companies and funds. Ogles, however, says the spending in Tennessee is intended to send a warning to other Republicans who oppose federal energy subsidies.
Invest in Tomorrow Coalition Chairman Tom Matzzie made clear that the group sees Ogles as part of a broader political campaign.
“Our campaign is here to show that politicians who oppose clean energy do so at their own political peril,” Matzzie, who also serves as CEO of the solar company CleanChoice Energy, told Axios. “Andy Ogles is next.”
Trump Rallies Behind Ogles
Ogles, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has repeatedly voted to reverse renewable-energy initiatives enacted under former President Joe Biden.
But he believes his close relationship with Trump has also placed a target on his back.
“It’s because I’m close to the president,” Ogles told Fox News Digital. “It is because I am outspoken.”
Trump has endorsed Ogles and held a late-campaign tele-rally encouraging Tennessee Republicans to support him. The president described Ogles as a loyal ally who has “always been there when we needed him.”
“As the Trump-endorsed candidate in this race, I am being targeted by left-wing liberals from California because I am one of President Trump’s closest allies,” Ogles said separately in a statement obtained by Axios.
Ogles still faces a potentially dangerous contest.
A poll commissioned by the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition found Ogles leading Hatcher 37% to 33%, with approximately 30% undecided. The survey questioned 400 likely Republican primary voters and carried a five-point margin of error—making the race a statistical dead heat.
The poll was paid for by a group actively working to defeat Ogles and should be viewed in that context.
Hatcher has also out-raised the incumbent. Axios reported that Hatcher collected approximately $720,000 through July 17, compared with $610,000 for Ogles. Hatcher entered the final stretch with $105,000 available, while Ogles had $58,000 and approximately $70,000 in campaign debt.
The challenger has secured endorsements from former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. His background as a farmer and former state agriculture commissioner could also prove valuable after redistricting shifted the 5th District toward more rural and agricultural communities.
Ogles faced another well-funded primary challenge in 2024 but prevailed with 56.5% of the vote, according to Ballotpedia.
Energy Fight Reaches The Ballot Box
Ogles maintains that he supports an “all-of-the-above” energy policy but opposes allowing Washington to select favored industries through subsidies.
“I’m not against solar,” he told Fox News Digital, explaining that he had considered installing panels on his own farm. “But I don’t want a government subsidy to make it work.”
With the national debt approaching $40 trillion, Ogles argued that taxpayers should not be forced to underwrite investments that cannot survive in the private market.
Invest in Tomorrow’s spending campaign suggests renewable-energy executives intend to make that position politically costly—not only for Ogles, but for other Republicans watching the Tennessee race.
Early voting concluded Saturday, Aug. 1. The Republican primary will be decided Thursday, Aug. 6.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is raising concerns about what he claims could be an effort by President Donald Trump and his allies to influence the 2026 midterm elections.
Speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday, Warner suggested that Trump’s recent comments about Republicans needing to “take over” elections from the states could signal broader plans to challenge state-run election systems.
“It appears there may be a coordinated effort to try to interfere in the ‘26 midterms,” Warner said. He added that he is concerned, “They may even start to interfere in the primaries.”
Watch:
Trump and many Republicans have argued for years that election administration should be strengthened through tighter oversight and more uniform standards, particularly after disputes over voting procedures in 2020. Democrats, however, have increasingly framed these efforts as threats to democracy.
Warner Criticizes Tulsi Gabbard’s Role in Georgia Investigation
Warner also expressed anger over Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s reported involvement in a federal raid in Fulton County, Georgia, where officials seized ballots and voter information as part of an investigation.
While details surrounding the raid remain unclear, Warner compared the situation to Watergate-era abuses of power — an analogy Democrats have frequently used in recent years when criticizing Trump.
In a clip posted to social media, Warner said:
“The Nixon era is back. What do I mean? Richard Nixon is most infamously known for Watergate, where he intervened in a domestic political effort under the guise of the Watergate break-in. He knew what was going on before the fact. Well, it appears the same is true.”
Trump is reviving Nixon-style scandals… and I’m worried our elections are at risk of interference because of it. pic.twitter.com/BLsnYe1FqF
Warner claimed testimony suggested Gabbard traveled to Atlanta because Trump personally asked her to.
“It appears the same is true. We got testimony yesterday that Tulsi Gabbard was down in Atlanta for that crazy raid on the voting machines because Trump asked her to go.”
Warner then questioned how Trump would have known about the investigation ahead of time:
“Well, how the hell did Trump know there was about to be a warrant issued in a lame criminal investigation before the act took place? How did he let Gabbard know to go there?”
He also criticized reports that Trump spoke directly with FBI agents involved in the case:
“This is not how American justice should work. When, when, when will any of my Republican colleagues find a spine?”
Democrats Claim Raid May Have Been Improper
In another clip posted Wednesday, Warner suggested the FBI raid itself may have been unlawful, pointing to leadership changes under FBI Director Kash Patel.
“We have seen Kash Patel basically decimate the leadership of the FBI to the point that that raid… the FBI agent in charge of that office got fired because I don’t believe he felt this was legal.”
Warner also argued that Gabbard, as DNI, should not have been involved in what he called a “domestic criminal investigation.”
“The director of national intelligence, who showed up at that domestic criminal investigation where she had no right to be there…”
He continued by questioning whether anyone in the administration attempted to stop Trump from contacting agents directly:
“I know Trump doesn’t know the law, but wasn’t there anybody in the White House Counsel that said, ‘Mr. President, you shouldn’t be talking to FBI agents…’”
Warner concluded with a sharp personal attack on Gabbard:
“This is a guy that’s being enhanced by a rogue DNI who’s way over her skis in terms of knowledge or competency.”
How far is this administration willing to go to attack our free, fair, and settled elections? pic.twitter.com/LECRngoven
Warner’s comments come as Democrats increasingly warn of authoritarianism and election manipulation, themes expected to dominate campaign messaging heading into 2026.
Republicans, meanwhile, have argued that ensuring election integrity — including investigating irregularities and enforcing stricter standards — is a legitimate government responsibility, not “interference.”
The 2024 Pennsylvania Senate race is emerging as one of the most closely watched and pivotal contests in the nation, with significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey Jr. is seeking reelection for a fourth term, while Republicans are coalescing around David McCormick, a former hedge fund executive.
Both candidates are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most expensive and competitive Senate races in the country…
Bob Casey Jr.: The Incumbent
Bob Casey Jr., son of the late Governor Bob Casey Sr., has served Pennsylvania in the Senate since 2006. Casey has built a reputation as a pragmatic legislator who prioritizes health care, jobs and labor rights.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In the Senate, Casey has leveraged his seniority to secure key committee assignments, including on the influential Senate Finance Committee.
However, the political climate in Pennsylvania has become increasingly polarized in recent years, teeing up a more challenging electoral environment for the seasoned politician this year. With the Keystone State narrowly voting for Joe Biden in 2020 after flipping to Donald Trump in 2016, Republicans see this as an opportunity to unseat Casey.
David McCormick: The Challenger
David McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO and Army veteran, is a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics and business. McCormick served as the CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, from 2020 to 2022, where he gained a reputation for strong leadership in the financial sector. A West Point graduate, McCormick also served as an Army officer during the Gulf War, earning a Bronze Star for his service.
National Archives at College Park – Still Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In public service, McCormick held senior economic positions in the George W. Bush administration, including Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. His platform emphasizes economic growth, job creation and strengthening national security. McCormick is also focused on fiscal conservatism, advocating for reduced government spending and taxes.
McCormick previously ran for Senate in 2022, narrowly losing the Republican primary to Mehmet Oz, who ultimately lost to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election. Since then, McCormick has remained active in Pennsylvania politics, positioning himself as a fiscal conservative and critic of the Biden administration’s economic policies.
McCormick’s background in business and finance has appealed to Pennsylvania’s suburban voters, while his military service has resonated with the state’s sizable veteran population along with Donald Trump’s MAGA base.
Key Policy Issues
In his 2024 campaign, McCormick has focused on national security, economic freedom and his status as a business leader and political outsider, in stark contrast to Casey’s long tenure in Washington. This dynamic has brought the race to a near tie.
I retired from the Army as a captain after a combat tour in Iraq, but I've never stopped serving my country.
I'm a seventh-generation Pennsylvanian, political outsider, & PA job creator.
Bob Casey is a weak, liberal, 30-year career politician who has failed our commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/NnuK1F25Su
McCormick’s platform focuses on reducing government spending, boosting economic growth and opposing progressive policies that he argues have hurt the state’s energy sector, particularly coal and natural gas.
Fundraising and Campaign Spending
The Pennsylvania Senate race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with both candidates benefiting from substantial outside spending.
According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data, Bob Casey has raised more than $21 million, thanks to strong support from labor unions, healthcare groups, and Democrat super PACs such as the Senate Majority PAC. Casey’s deep connections with national Democrats and his long-standing relationships with Pennsylvania’s organized labor groups have made him a fundraising powerhouse.
On the Republican side, David McCormick has raised over $17 million with significant support from national conservative groups such as Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity.
Endorsements and Support
Donald Trump: Former President Donald Trump officially endorsed McCormick’s Senate bid last April during a Pennsylvania rally.
“I am officially giving my endorsement to David McCormick tonight. He’s a good a man. He wants to run a good ship. He’s a smart guy, who was a very successful guy. He’s given up a lot to do this,” Trump told supporters at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania.
“I’ll tell you what: He’s the nominee of the Republican Party, David McCormick. Go out and vote for him because Casey doesn’t do a damn thing,” Trump said.
Pat Toomey: Former Senator Pat Toomey praised McCormick’s economic expertise and commitment to conservative values, saying he’s the right leader to represent Pennsylvania.
Ari Fleischer: The former White House Press Secretary endorsed McCormick at a September fundraiser, highlighting his strong leadership and policy experience.
Organizational Endorsements:
Senate Leadership Fund: Backed McCormick as part of their efforts to secure Republican Senate seats.
Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC): Endorsed McCormick for his unwavering support for Israel and stance against antisemitism.
“RJC trusts Dave McCormick – a 7th generation Pennsylvanian, West Point graduate, combat veteran, Bronze star recipient, Pennsylvania job creator and business leader – to be a Senator the people of Pennsylvania can be proud of.”
“Bob Casey is no friend of Israel. Where Bob Casey has failed, Dave McCormick will lead.”
Voter Sentiment and Polling
Recent polling data suggests that the race between Casey and McCormick is likely to be close, reflecting Pennsylvania’s status as a swing state. Polls indicate that Casey holds a slight lead over McCormick, but the race is expected to tighten as November draws closer. Pennsylvania has a history of closely contested statewide elections, with margins often decided by just a few percentage points.
RealClearPolitics (October 14, 2024): Casey leads McCormick 47.8% to 44.6%
Emerson College Poll (October 2024): 48% support incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey while 46% support Republican Dave McCormick.
Trafalgar Polling (October 2024): Casey leads McCormick 47.4% to 45.6% with 7% undecided.
Quinnipiac Univesity (October 2024): Incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey leads Republican challenger David McCormick 51% to 43%. Democrats 96% to 3% back Casey, while Republicans 88 % to 10% back McCormick. Independents are evenly split, with 44% supporting McCormick and 44% supporting Casey.
Both candidates will need to appeal to Pennsylvania’s diverse electorate, which includes rural, suburban, and urban voters. Rural parts of the state have trended Republican in recent elections, while urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh remain Democratic strongholds. The key battleground will likely be the suburbs, particularly in counties like Bucks and Montgomery, where moderate and independent voters could swing the outcome.
