Sen. Casey backs Katie McGinty’s bid to join him in Washington

Gov. Tom Wolf’s former chief of staff Katie McGinty received a key endorsement from Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, in her campaign to join him in Washington.

Casey announced his support of McGinty for U.S. Senate just over a month before the Pennsylvania Democratic primary. The two politicians said they’ve long supported similar causes, like improving education and championing middle class families.

“When I went through the issues that she’ll be a leader on, I don’t just mean that she’ll participate, I think she will be a leader in the U.S. Senate,” Casey said.

Casey said he believes that McGinty is the best Democratic candidate running and has the ability to oust incumbent Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in November. She is up against former Congressman Joe Sestak and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman in the April 26 primary.

“That’s part of the determination that I have to make as a Democratic leader in the state, but also as a voter: who will present the strongest challenge in the fall,” Casey said.

McGinty said her campaign has made great progress “coming in from behind” of Sestak. Casey’s support comes after endorsements from both Gov. Wolf and former Gov. Ed Rendell.

Casey and McGinty both called their long-time friendship important to his endorsement.