Republican David McCormick is projected to defeat Sen. Bob Casey (R-Pa.) in one of the nation’s preeminent battlegrounds, according to Decision Desk HQ, adding to the party’s margins

Republican Dave McCormick won the U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania, Decision Desk HQ projected on Thursday, beating Democratic incumbent Bob Casey in an important win for Republicans hoping to capture a majority in the chamber.

In the race for a critical Senate seat, Pennsylvania incumbent Bob Casey Jr. was challenged by Republican Bob McCormick.