Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick on Thursday appeared to declare victory in his race against Democratic incumbent Bob Casey Jr. despite The Associated Press not having called the race and the possibility that the narrow margin triggers Pennsylvania’s automatic recount process.

After days of the race being too close to call, the Associated Press named Republican Dave McCormick the winner in the race for one of Pennsylvania’s two seats in the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Democrat Bob Casey. McCormick first addressed supporters at his election night party in Pittsburgh when the race was too close to call.

"While votes continue to be counted, any way you slice it, Dave McCormick will be the next United States Senator from Pennsylvania."