McCormick was not invited to the Senate orientation because the race against Casey was declared too close to call

Orientation for new U.S. senators begins this week, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has declined to extend an invitation to Republican Dave McCormick.

While votes are still being counted, McCormick is in the lead in the race against incumbent Democrat Bob Cassey.

According to the Associated Press, McCormick would win the race. However, Casey has not conceded the race and several major media outlets have not yet declared a winner, claiming the race was still too close to determine an accurate result.

According to De HeuvelSen. Krysten Sinema of Arizona said McCormick should be invited to the orientation along with Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who is also currently leading a Senate race in Arizona.

Sinema, previously a Democrat, became an independent in 2022.

“In 2018 my race was not called for six days” Sinema said in a post on X. “I jumped on a red-eye to DC for Senate orientation – I learned so much and built lasting relationships that week. Dave McCormick & Ruben Gallego become senators for PA & AZ. They should be invited to an orientation and start learning the job.”

Politico reported this Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is also among those calling for McCormick to be included in the orientation this week.

“Schumer will not allow @DaveMcCormickPA to participate in Senate orientation this week as Casey refuses to concede race,” Rubio posted on X. “Whatever happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the election?”

McCormick’s supporters argue that McCormick’s current lead of about 40,000 votes will be insurmountable for Casey.

However, a spokesperson for Schumer said: “With more than 100,000 ballots still to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race is not yet decided. As usual, we will invite the winner once the votes have been counted.”

McCormick, meanwhile, has weighed in on X, saying he was “looking forward to joining the Senate freshman class of 2025 for orientation this week!” “I am honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania and will fight hard to ensure their voices are heard in Washington,” he said in his post. “Let’s get to work!”