Schumer Caves, Invites McCormick, Gallego to Senate Orientation

After being chided for not inviting Senator-Elect David McCormick (R-Penn.) to the freshman Senator orientation this week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has relented, extending an invitation to the Republican, as well as Democrat Senator-elect Ruben Gallego, who was just declared the winner of his race in Arizona.

The newly elected senators were excluded due to remaining uncounted ballots in both races. The Associated Press declared McCormick the winner in the Pennsylvania Senate race on Thursday, although Decision Desk HQ says it’s still too close to call. Incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has yet to concede the race.

The AP called the Arizona Senate race for Gallego on Monday, bringing the the total number of Democrats in the Senate to 47, with Republicans gaining a majority of 53 seats in the 100-member Senate.

After receiving pressure from colleagues, Schumer caved on Tuesday and extended an invitations.

“Ruben Gallego and David McCormick have been invited to attend orientation,” a spokesperson for Schumer told reporters.

Several Republican senators, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Sen. Katie Britt, (R-Ala.) had offered to escort McCormick into the Capitol for the orientation.

Even moderate Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine) urged Schumer to include McCormick in the orientation.

“I want to congratulate Senator-elect Dave McCormick, who the AP has declared the winner of the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania. Looking forward to welcoming him to the Senate,” Murkowski posted on X.

Collins wrote on X: “Congratulations to Senator-elect Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania. I look forward to welcoming him to the new member orientation in Washington this week.”

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) pointed out on X that she attended her Senate orientation in 2018 even though her race hadn’t been called.

“In 2018 my race wasn’t called for 6 days. I jumped on a redeye to DC to make Senate orientation — I learned so much & made lasting relationships that week. Dave McCormick & Ruben Gallego will be senators for PA & AZ. They should be invited to orientation & start learning the job,” she posted.

McCormick himself made clear on Monday that he planned to attend the freshman Senator orientation on Tuesday, despite the lack of an invitation from Schumer (D-NY).

“Looking forward to joining the Senate freshman class of 2025 for orientation this week!” McCormick wrote on X. “I’m honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania, and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington. Let’s get to work!”