Democrat incumbent Senator Bob Casey has conceded the race to his opponent, Republican Dave McCormick.

McCormick currently leads Casey by over 16,000 votes. There are around 5,000 votes left to count in the state, most of them provisional ballots.

The two candidates are separated by .24% vote margin.

Pennsylvania law requires a recount for any statewide race within a .5% vote margin. The recount could have been called off if the losing opponent conceded by noon last Wednesday (Nov 13). Casey had not conceded, and counties were required to start the recount as of Wednesday, Nov 20 (yesterday). Many started sooner. The recount is expected to cost over $1 million.

Last Wednesday, there were around 58,600 mail in and provisional ballots uncounted across the state. The AP called the race for McCormick exactly two weeks ago, on Nov 7.

Casey served three terms as one of Pennsylvania's senators to the U.S. Senate. McCormick worked in the administration of President George Bush, but has not held any state or national elected office.