Chuck Schumer relents, allows Dave McCormick to attend Senate orientation meeting

Just last week, former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) attempted to block Sens.-elect Dave McCormick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, and Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona from an orientation session for new members of the upper chamber.

According to Fox News, it appears that Schumer has changed his mind after Republican senators said they would escort McCormick to the meeting if need be.

McCormick was originally denied entrance to the orientation due to Schumer's claim that the Pennsylvania Senate race hadn't been formally called yet.

Schumer made the claim despite a formal call from the Associated Press declaring McCormick's victory over Democratic Party incumbent Sen. Bob Casey.

Fox News noted:

McCormick was leading by more than 30,000 votes when the AP called the race at 4:09 p.m. Thursday. Though there were an estimated 91,000 votes still outstanding at that time, the AP asserted that there were not enough in areas supporting Casey for him to make up the difference.

In a statement released from Schumer's office, it was confirmed that the two new senators would indeed be in attendance at the orientation meeting.

"Ruben Gallego and David McCormick have been invited to attend orientation," the statement read.

BREAKING: Dave McCormick has arrived at Senate orientation pic.twitter.com/QLMrSCwVkH

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) November 12, 2024

Fox News noted:

Gallego also had not received an invitation, but the AP did not call his race against Republican Kari Lake until Monday night. It was the final Senate race to be called, leaving the Republicans with a 53-47 majority.

Republicans not only took the White House back, they also decisively captured a majority in the Senate, holding a 53-47 advantage over Democrats. Just this week, Republicans also claimed majority control of the House, though the margins are slim.

Before Schumer finally gave in and acknowledged McCormick's victory over Casey, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee said he would "personally escort" McCormick to the orientation meeting.

Social media users reacted to the news.

"Schumer was having a hard time accepting the election results, but he finally caved! He is a sore loser!" one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Represent Pennsylvania!!!! Dave McCormick! We did it!!!!"