When Republican U.S. Senator Pat Toomey decided not to run for a third term, the battle began for party control in Congress. President Joe Biden has two years left on his term and the party that wins will help determine how much he can accomplish. Twelve candidates are vying to represent their party in November.
The race has attracted large donations and major mudslinging. Lt. Governor John Fetterman has raised the most money of the Democratic candidates at $3.1 million, while Dave McCormick is the fund raising leader of the Republican candidates at $4.3 million. Dr. Mehmet Oz raised $1.7 million. Both McCormick and Oz have contributed substantial amounts of their own money. Dr. Oz was endorsed by former President Donald Trump on April 9, 2022.
Democrat
John Fetterman, current lieutenant governor and former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania
Conor Lamb, 2-term congressman representing parts of Pittsburgh and its northwestern suburbs
Malcolm Kenyatta, a state rep from Philadelphia
Kevin Baumlin, a Philadelphia doctor, who served as chair of Emergency Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital
Alexandria Khalil, an IT specialist, former small business owner and educator
Republican
Jeff Bartos, Montgomery county businessman
David McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO, West Point graduate and army veteran
Carla Sands, a former ambassador to Denmark under President Trump
George Bochetto, a Philadelphia defense attorney
Kathy Barnette, Montgomery county businesswoman and Fox News commentator
Sean Gale, a Montgomery county lawyer
Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor and author with his own TV show.
This NBC Philadelphia report highlights why some of the candidates are running for U.S. Senate. Visit vote411.org for more information about the election.
