HARRISBURG, Pa. — Less than two days after uncontested wins in Pennsylvania's primary elections, the debate stage is set.
Incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania) will face his Republican challenger Dave McCormick in a debate tour across the Commonwealth, as the three-term Senator looks to defend his seat.
Both men made stops across the Commonwealth on Thursday, including in the state capital of Harrisburg.
"I think it gives people over the course of three debates, to have an examination of both candidates," Senator Casey said
Three debates will be held, one each in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg.
McCormick said in a post on X: “See you there.”
"We need new leadership fighting for Pennsylvania," McCormick said at one of his many stops Thursday. "That’s why I’m running for this Senate seat."
Dr. Allison Dagnes with Shippensburg University says putting the two on one stage, allows the voters to make more informed decisions.
"Bringing them together in order to have common ground and common questions, I think it's going to be very illustrative," she said.
Dr. Dagnes says topics discussed in the 2022 Senate race between John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz, including abortion rights and the economy, will once again be major talking points.
However, she also acknowledges this debate will be different. Casey’s incumbency could be a big challenge for McCormick.
"The Casey name in Pennsylvania is very well known. So Senator Casey doesn't have to introduce himself to the voters," Dr. Dagnes said. "McCormick was not the nominee last time, most of the voters don't have the opportunity to see where he does stand on the issues. And so this is going to be a really good time for them to do that."
Though a strong debate performance could be the difference in Pennsylvania.
"You need 50% of the vote plus one vote," Dr. Dagnes said. "Because we are so closely divided in Pennsylvania getting as many people on your side is vital. And that's why these debates are important."
Dagnes says we aren’t likely to see the same fireworks or viral clips we saw in 2022 since the two candidates are seasoned speakers.
No official dates have been set for these debates.
For Dave McCormick, a similar question that Oz faced over where he lives is being raised by his opponent. Senator Casey called out McCormick for living in Connecticut on Thursday, though he does own a home here in Pennsylvania.
While trekking across the Commonwealth, McCormick called Casey’s voting history into question saying he "follows" instead of leading.