Democrat Senator Bob Casey is distancing himself from President Biden in a new ad, highlighting his support for Donald Trump’s tariffs on China and defense of fracking, as he fights to keep his seat in one of the most hotly contested Senate races in Pennsylvania.
In a move that has caught many by surprise, Democrat Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is touting his alignment with some of Donald Trump’s policies in a new ad, signaling a shift as he faces one of the toughest Senate battles in the country. With polls tightening and Pennsylvania’s critical energy sector in the spotlight, Casey is making it clear that he’s willing to break with President Biden, especially on fracking and trade.
The ad, which features a married couple from the traditionally Democratic stronghold of Lackawanna County, portrays Casey as an "independent" voice in Washington. The couple, Marygrace and Joe, highlight Casey’s support for Trump’s tariffs on China and his defense of Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry—policies that have endeared him to blue-collar voters in the state.
"Casey bucked Biden to protect fracking, and he sided with Trump to end NAFTA and put tariffs on China to stop them from cheating," says Marygrace in the ad. Her husband adds, "In this house, we agree: It’s Bob Casey who’s doing right by Pennsylvania."
The ad is a clear attempt to appeal to swing voters who feel alienated by the Biden administration’s energy policies, particularly in a state where fracking and manufacturing are central to the economy. Pennsylvania, the second-largest natural gas producer in the U.S., has seen growing concerns over Biden’s limitations on energy exports—a policy that Casey and fellow Democratic Senator John Fetterman have openly criticized.
"Pennsylvania is an energy state," Casey and Fetterman said in a joint statement earlier this year, expressing concerns about the potential job losses from Biden’s natural gas restrictions. Casey’s decision to emphasize his break from the president on these issues reflects the political reality of a tight re-election fight.
While positioning himself as a defender of Trump’s trade policies, Casey is also aligning himself with Vice President Kamala Harris on other issues, including her push for price caps on consumer goods to combat inflation. The proposal, which has drawn criticism from Republicans, including his opponent Dave McCormick, as “pure socialism,” is part of Harris’s broader economic agenda.
Casey’s strategy is clear: embrace Trump’s popular policies where necessary, while maintaining core Democratic positions on other fronts. As the race tightens, Casey’s ability to navigate these political waters will determine whether he can secure a fourth term in a state that could decide control of the Senate.
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