2024 Pennsylvania US Senate Voters Guide

Bob Casey (D) vs David McCormick (R)

US Senate | Election | Nov 5, 2024

The Candidates

Bob Casey

Bob Casey

Democrat

Incumbent
David McCormick

David McCormick

Republican

The Issues

Abortion

Ban or legal?

Bob Casey (D)

Legal. “Will never support the Republican effort to ban abortions.” Overturning Roe v. Wade is “dangerous,” “will put women’s lives at risk.” Voted to make abortion rights federal law. In 2018 called himself “pro-life” but voted mostly to maintain abortion access.

David McCormick (R)

Mostly ban. Is “pro-life.” Called overturning Roe v. Wade “a huge victory for the protection of innocent life.” In 2022 supported banning abortion except to save a mother’s life. Now also supports exceptions for rape and incest. Opposes a national abortion ban. “States should decide.”

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Climate Change

Should climate change be a top priority?

Bob Casey (D)

Yes. “We need to invest in meaningful climate action now.” Voted for $369 billion investment in climate and renewable energy, the biggest investment in US history.“ “We must increase the use of renewable energy” while regulating natural gas extraction. Supports tax credits for clean energy workers.

David McCormick (R)

No. “Human activity is one of the many contributing factors” to rising global temperatures. “An anti-fossil fuel agenda” is driven by “radical environmental groups.” Would “unleash oil and gas production.” Would halt clean energy subsidies. Would “mitigate the risk of climate change” with “market-driven solutions.”

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Criminal Justice

How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?

Bob Casey (D)

Supports “our law enforcement” and wants to hold “accountable those who abuse their positions of public trust.” Introduced legislation to reduce violent incidents between police and people with mental and physical disabilities. Voted to decrease federal funding for localities that defund the police.

David McCormick (R)

Dangerous rhetoric and lax law enforcement policies have led to an increase in crime.” Fewer police “means less safe communities.” Police are “poorly funded” and need “qualified immunity,” which protects police from civil lawsuits for use of excessive force.

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Economy

Decrease or increase government investment in, and regulation of, the economy?

Bob Casey (D)

Increase. Supports federal funding for infrastructure and internet, including $1.2 trillion infastructure bill and policies that create “good-paying jobs.” Would regulate banking overdraft penalties and other “hidden fees.” Supports cracking down on companies that shrink products without lowering prices. Wants support for the childcare sector.

David McCormick (R)

Mostly decrease. To address inflation, “we have to get spending back under control” and stop “the war on energy.” “Washington must take a more active role in promoting American innovation” but “cut the red tape and get out of the way of private citizens and firms trying to innovate.”

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Education

Limit teaching of issues around racism and gender identity?

Bob Casey (D)

No. “The idea that it’s ‘harmful’ to children to even discuss the existence of LGBTQ+ people isn’t just ridiculous — it’s dangerous.” Introduced a bill funding African American history. “For far too long, our education system has taught an incomplete version of American history, which downplays the oppression that the Black community has experienced and continues to experience.”

David McCormick (R)

Likely yes. Pledged to restore “honest, patriotic education in our schools” and “stand up to the liberal wokeness infiltrating all aspects of our society.” Supports teaching “civics and America’s exceptional story.”

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Environment

Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?

Bob Casey (D)

Tighten. Supports “regulation of natural gas extraction, as well as disclosure of chemicals involved in the process.” “Responsible fracking” should be “regulated and closely monitored to protect our communities.” Opposed prohibiting the EPA from regulating auto emissions. Supports conservation of at-risk wildlife species.

David McCormick (R)

Loosen. “We should remove Biden’s constraints on new oil and gas projects on federal lands.” “We don’t have to choose between clean energy and economic development—that’s a false tradeoff.” “Tapping into Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources” can be done “while still protecting the environment.”

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Gun Laws

Loosen or tighten gun regulation?

Bob Casey (D)

Tighten. Changed to a pro-regulation position after 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. Supports expanded background checks, temporarily keeping firearms from people who pose danger, and banning “weapons of war” like AR-15 rifles. Voted for the bipartisan gun safety bill.

David McCormick (R)

Mostly loosen. “I’m a proud gun owner who will fight for our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms” and “a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.” In 2022 criticized support for “gun restrictions like an assault weapons ban & red flag laws.” But supports background checks.

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Health Care

Increase or decrease government support for health care?

Bob Casey (D)

Increase. The effort to repeal Obamacare is “a venomous snake that will bite a lot of Americans.” Introduced a bill to lower prescription drug costs for low-income Medicare enrollees. Sponsored a bill capping insulin price at $35. Voted for government to negotiate Medicare drug costs.

David McCormick (R)

Mostly decrease. In 2022 criticized his Republican primary opponent Mehmet Oz for his past support of Obamacare. Has discussed potentially cutting “entitlements.” Would “fight for” veterans’ health care.

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Immigration

How to handle immigration and the border? Support a path to citizenship for “DACA” participants brought to the US as children?

Bob Casey (D)

Supports a bipartisan immigration bill to address border reform. Sponsored a bill to give DACA participants a pathway toward permanent residence after US military service.

David McCormick (R)

“We need to use our military to take out the [drug] cartels.” Use drones and “special forces” to stop the flow of fentanyl. Supports a return to Trump’s border policies: “Finish the wall. Keep people going only through legal entry points.” Resolve asylum questions “on the other side of the border.” No position found on DACA.

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Labor

Make it easier or harder for unions to organize?

Bob Casey (D)

Easier. Supports “protecting workers’ fundamental right to organize.” Sponsored a bill expanding rights to organize unions. “We have to … stop them [Republicans] from trying to destroy unions.”

David McCormick (R)

No position found.

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LGBTQ Rights

Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?

Bob Casey (D)

Expand. Sponsored a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Voted to federally recognize same-sex marriage. Sponsored a bill to ban commercial conversion therapy.

David McCormick (R)

Mixed. Opposes transgender students participating in women’s sports. But while CEO, his hedge fund promoted LGBTQ hiring to “grow the best talent across gender identity” and “sexual orientation,” with “fully paid coverage for gender transitions.”

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Marijuana

Ban or legal?

Bob Casey (D)

Mostly legal. In 2021 supported decriminalization; undecided on legalization. Introduced a bill sealing federal arrest records for simple drug possession.

David McCormick (R)

Likely ban. On legalization, “I haven’t taken a position,… but right now I’m leaning toward no.” Calls marijuana a gateway to harder drugs.

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Minimum Wage

Raise federal minimum from $7.25/hr?

Bob Casey (D)

Yes. “$7.25/hour is not enough for working people to live on.” Voted to raise. In 2019 supported gradually raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

David McCormick (R)

No. “I wouldn’t change the minimum wage we have now… I wouldn’t raise it.”  

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Social Security

Cut Social Security and raise the retirement age?

Bob Casey (D)

No. “Social Security is the most successful antipoverty program to date.” Introduced a bill that would boost Social Security COLAs. Introduced a bill to increase survivors benefits for disabled spouses.

David McCormick (R)

Yes. Entitlements like Social Security “aren’t sustainable in their current form for the future of our country. I don’t think my kids are going to be able to live under the same entitlements.”

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Student Financial Aid

Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?

Bob Casey (D)

Yes. Supported canceling $10,000 of student debt for those making less than $125,000 a year. Opposed an effort to overturn Biden’s student debt relief plan. In 2019 sponsored a bill allowing eligible student loan borrowers to refinance at lower rates.

David McCormick (R)

No. “Biden’s student loan ‘forgiveness’ scheme… forces the majority of Pennsylvanians without college degrees to pay someone else’s debt.” It is “unfair & unAmerican.”

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Taxes

Raise or lower taxes on corporations and wealthier individuals?

Bob Casey (D)

Raise. Supports reversing 2017 “massive tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.” Would make largest oil companies pay higher taxes on excess profits, make “wealthy tax cheats and the biggest corporations pay their fair share of taxes.”

David McCormick (R)

Mostly lower. Opposes “tax increases.” Inflation is “not greedflation [by] you in this room, business people, it’s not because you’re greedy.” Said “we need to make permanent the [2017] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” the biggest corporate cuts in US history.

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Voting Rules

Make voting harder or easier?

Bob Casey (D)

Easier. Introduced bills to improve voting access for those with disabilities. Sponsored two bills to expand voter registration and voting access.

David McCormick (R)

Harder. Would require “a photo ID to vote” and ballots “in by Election Day.” Disagrees with Act 77 no-excuse mail-in voting, but “it’s something” Republicans have “got to embrace.”

Click To Share Stance

guides.vote is a nonpartisan effort to show where candidates stand. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate. We have space for candidates polling 15% or more. Check out others including Leila Hazou (G), Quincy Magee (I) Marty Selker (C), Hussein Tartour-Aguirre (I), and John Thomas (L). Vote411.org offers guides to local races and how to vote. For campuses, see Campus Vote Project’s state-specific guides to student voting rules.

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Bob Casey

democratic Party

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David McCormick

republican Party

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Bob Casey

democratic

David McCormick

republican

See guides.vote for online guides with links & sources https://bobcasey.com/ https://www.davemccormickpa.com/
Abortion

Ban or legal?

Legal. “Will never support the Republican effort to ban abortions.” Overturning Roe v. Wade is “dangerous,” “will put women’s lives at risk.” Voted to make abortion rights federal law. In 2018 called himself “pro-life” but voted mostly to maintain abortion access.Mostly ban. Is “pro-life.” Called overturning Roe v. Wade “a huge victory for the protection of innocent life.” In 2022 supported banning abortion except to save a mother’s life. Now also supports exceptions for rape and incest. Opposes a national abortion ban. “States should decide.”
Climate Change

Should climate change be a top priority?

Yes. “We need to invest in meaningful climate action now.” Voted for $369 billion investment in climate and renewable energy, the biggest investment in US history.“ “We must increase the use of renewable energy” while regulating natural gas extraction. Supports tax credits for clean energy workers.No. “Human activity is one of the many contributing factors” to rising global temperatures. “An anti-fossil fuel agenda” is driven by “radical environmental groups.” Would “unleash oil and gas production.” Would halt clean energy subsidies. Would “mitigate the risk of climate change” with “market-driven solutions.”
Criminal Justice

How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?

Supports “our law enforcement” and wants to hold “accountable those who abuse their positions of public trust.” Introduced legislation to reduce violent incidents between police and people with mental and physical disabilities. Voted to decrease federal funding for localities that defund the police.Dangerous rhetoric and lax law enforcement policies have led to an increase in crime.” Fewer police “means less safe communities.” Police are “poorly funded” and need “qualified immunity,” which protects police from civil lawsuits for use of excessive force.
Economy

Decrease or increase government investment in, and regulation of, the economy?

Increase. Supports federal funding for infrastructure and internet, including $1.2 trillion infastructure bill and policies that create “good-paying jobs.” Would regulate banking overdraft penalties and other “hidden fees.” Supports cracking down on companies that shrink products without lowering prices. Wants support for the childcare sector.Mostly decrease. To address inflation, “we have to get spending back under control” and stop “the war on energy.” “Washington must take a more active role in promoting American innovation” but “cut the red tape and get out of the way of private citizens and firms trying to innovate.”
Education

Limit teaching of issues around racism and gender identity?

No. “The idea that it's ‘harmful’ to children to even discuss the existence of LGBTQ+ people isn't just ridiculous — it's dangerous.” Introduced a bill funding African American history. “For far too long, our education system has taught an incomplete version of American history, which downplays the oppression that the Black community has experienced and continues to experience.”Likely yes. Pledged to restore “honest, patriotic education in our schools” and “stand up to the liberal wokeness infiltrating all aspects of our society.” Supports teaching “civics and America’s exceptional story.”
Environment

Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?

Tighten. Supports “regulation of natural gas extraction, as well as disclosure of chemicals involved in the process.” “Responsible fracking” should be “regulated and closely monitored to protect our communities.” Opposed prohibiting the EPA from regulating auto emissions. Supports conservation of at-risk wildlife species.Loosen. “We should remove Biden’s constraints on new oil and gas projects on federal lands.” “We don’t have to choose between clean energy and economic development—that’s a false tradeoff.” “Tapping into Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources” can be done “while still protecting the environment.”
Gun Laws

Loosen or tighten gun regulation?

Tighten. Changed to a pro-regulation position after 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. Supports expanded background checks, temporarily keeping firearms from people who pose danger, and banning “weapons of war” like AR-15 rifles. Voted for the bipartisan gun safety bill.Mostly loosen. “I’m a proud gun owner who will fight for our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms” and “a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.” In 2022 criticized support for “gun restrictions like an assault weapons ban & red flag laws.” But supports background checks.
Health Care

Increase or decrease government support for health care?

Increase. The effort to repeal Obamacare is “a venomous snake that will bite a lot of Americans.” Introduced a bill to lower prescription drug costs for low-income Medicare enrollees. Sponsored a bill capping insulin price at $35. Voted for government to negotiate Medicare drug costs.Mostly decrease. In 2022 criticized his Republican primary opponent Mehmet Oz for his past support of Obamacare. Has discussed potentially cutting “entitlements.” Would “fight for” veterans’ health care.
Immigration

How to handle immigration and the border? Support a path to citizenship for “DACA” participants brought to the US as children?

Supports a bipartisan immigration bill to address border reform. Sponsored a bill to give DACA participants a pathway toward permanent residence after US military service.“We need to use our military to take out the [drug] cartels.” Use drones and “special forces” to stop the flow of fentanyl. Supports a return to Trump’s border policies: “Finish the wall. Keep people going only through legal entry points.” Resolve asylum questions “on the other side of the border.” No position found on DACA.
Labor

Make it easier or harder for unions to organize?

Easier. Supports “protecting workers’ fundamental right to organize.” Sponsored a bill expanding rights to organize unions. “We have to ... stop them [Republicans] from trying to destroy unions.”No position found.
LGBTQ Rights

Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?

Expand. Sponsored a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Voted to federally recognize same-sex marriage. Sponsored a bill to ban commercial conversion therapy.Mixed. Opposes transgender students participating in women’s sports. But while CEO, his hedge fund promoted LGBTQ hiring to “grow the best talent across gender identity” and “sexual orientation,” with “fully paid coverage for gender transitions.”
Marijuana

Ban or legal?

Mostly legal. In 2021 supported decriminalization; undecided on legalization. Introduced a bill sealing federal arrest records for simple drug possession.Likely ban. On legalization, “I haven’t taken a position,… but right now I’m leaning toward no.” Calls marijuana a gateway to harder drugs.
Minimum Wage

Raise federal minimum from $7.25/hr?

Yes. “$7.25/hour is not enough for working people to live on.” Voted to raise. In 2019 supported gradually raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.No. “I wouldn’t change the minimum wage we have now… I wouldn’t raise it.”  
Social Security

Cut Social Security and raise the retirement age?

No. “Social Security is the most successful antipoverty program to date.” Introduced a bill that would boost Social Security COLAs. Introduced a bill to increase survivors benefits for disabled spouses.Yes. Entitlements like Social Security “aren’t sustainable in their current form for the future of our country. I don’t think my kids are going to be able to live under the same entitlements.”
Student Financial Aid

Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?

Yes. Supported canceling $10,000 of student debt for those making less than $125,000 a year. Opposed an effort to overturn Biden’s student debt relief plan. In 2019 sponsored a bill allowing eligible student loan borrowers to refinance at lower rates.No. “Biden’s student loan ‘forgiveness’ scheme… forces the majority of Pennsylvanians without college degrees to pay someone else's debt.” It is “unfair & unAmerican.”
Taxes

Raise or lower taxes on corporations and wealthier individuals?

Raise. Supports reversing 2017 “massive tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.” Would make largest oil companies pay higher taxes on excess profits, make “wealthy tax cheats and the biggest corporations pay their fair share of taxes.”Mostly lower. Opposes “tax increases.” Inflation is “not greedflation [by] you in this room, business people, it’s not because you’re greedy.” Said “we need to make permanent the [2017] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” the biggest corporate cuts in US history.
Voting Rules

Make voting harder or easier?

Easier. Introduced bills to improve voting access for those with disabilities. Sponsored two bills to expand voter registration and voting access.Harder. Would require “a photo ID to vote” and ballots “in by Election Day.” Disagrees with Act 77 no-excuse mail-in voting, but “it’s something” Republicans have “got to embrace.”

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