Sen. Bob Casey concedes Pennsylvania Senate race to Republican Dave McCormick

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., on Thursday conceded the race for the Pennsylvania Senate seat to his Republican opponent, Dave McCormick.

NBC News projected McCormick’s victory shortly after Casey’s concession. The narrow margin in the race triggered an automatic recount, the results of which are expected to be released Wednesday.

“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate,” Casey said in a video on knowing that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first or the last to be counted.

McCormick thanked Casey in a statement, saying Casey had “dedicated his career to the betterment of our Commonwealth.”

“I am so honored to represent every citizen of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate and I will fight for you every day,” he added.

McCormick declared victory earlier this month after the Associated Press called the race for him. Casey, however, remained hopeful as the ballots were counted, even as Republicans criticized him for waiting to concede.

With 99.8% of expected votes counted, McCormick received 48.8% of the vote to Casey’s 48.6%. The candidates are separated by just over 16,000 votes.

McCormick’s victory strengthens the Republicans’ slim majority in the Senate, which has 53 seats for the next Congress. His victory could facilitate the confirmation of the ministerial choices of President-elect Donald Trump.

Republicans will control the White House and majorities in the House and Senate starting in January.