Senate Republicans secured a key seat Thursday afternoon when Trump-backed businessman Dave McCormick defeated longtime Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey in a highly anticipated race in Pennsylvania.

The Associated Press (AP) called the race for McCormick, who it was some lead more than 30,000 votes.

Casey released a statement on

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Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) speaks to his supporters before former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally for statewide Democratic candidates on September 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democratic process. We must allow this process to occur and ensure that every vote that can be counted is counted. This is what Pennsylvania deserves,” he wrote in part.

McCormick told The Ingraham Angle on Thursday that he believes he was elected because voters “want change.”

“I think they expressed that desire for change by electing President Trump. I think the same thing about myself too. They are deeply concerned about skyrocketing prices, wide open borders, crime in our cities, the war on fossil fuels and they want change and common sense leadership,” he said.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick greets supporters at the Indigo Hotel during a primary election night event on May 17, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

McCormick's 2024 campaign was his second attempt to win a U.S. Senate seat. He lost the 2022 Republican Senate primary to star Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The West Point graduate told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that he was “honored” to serve the people of Pennsylvania.

“I'm so excited. It's a pivotal time for our country and I'm honored to represent the great people of Pennsylvania – regardless of party, by the way, representing, you know, Democrats, Republicans, Independents,” he said. “My job is to represent each and every one of them.”

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Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick speaks during a campaign event at Desaki Restaurant on November 2, 2024 in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

McCormick added that he believes there is no “mathematical way” for Casey to win based on the outstanding votes.

“I lost an election by 900 votes, so I know – I know you have to process that. I know Senator Casey has to deal with this, and he has been in elected office for 30 years. His family has a great history of public service, and so he has to, you know, find the path to the right answer,” he said. “But I think the bill is undeniable, and I think that's why the AP called it that and why we're confident in our preparation to become the next senator from Pennsylvania.”

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The Fox News Decision Desk predicted Tuesday night that Republicans would flip the Senate and take control for the first time in three years.