Dr. Oz.Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
Dr. Mehmet Ozis one step closer to securing his place as a U.S. Senator.
Oz defeated former hedge fund CEO David McCormick, another leading contender in the race after a recount vote that spanned days.
He’ll now take on Democratic Lt. Gov.John Fettermanin the November election – a race that could help turn the tides of the almost evenly split senate.
“With the statewide recount officially concluded, it’s time to focus on how high the stakes are in November,” Oz said in astatementon Wednesday.
“I look forward to continuing my campaign across our great Commonwealth to earn the support of Pennsylvanians that want someone who will stand up to the liberal Biden-Fetterman agenda leading to higher gas prices, record inflation, and unprecedented levels of violent crime.”
McCormickconceded the electionon June 3 despite the recount still taking place.
“It’s now clear to me with the recount now largely complete that we have a nominee,” McCormicksaid at a campaign partyat a Pittsburgh hotel on Friday. “Tonight is really about us all coming together.”
Earlier this month, frontrunners Dr. Mehmet Oz and McCormick defended their conservative values, business records, and Pennsylvania roots during a debate, thePittsburgh Post-Gazettereported.
McCormick referred to Oz as a Hollywood liberal who has flip-flopped on major issues. “Desperate Dave, dishonest again,” Oz responded, the outlet reported.
Former PresidentDonald TrumpendorsedOz on April 9 and later showed his support for the candidate at rallies.
Trump, 75, said he had “known Dr. Oz for many years, as have many others, even if only through his very successful television show. He has lived with us through the screen and has always been popular, respected and smart.”
At the rally in North Carolina on the same day, Trump touted Oz’s accomplishments and likability.
“Harvard-educated, tremendous, tremendous career and they liked him for a long time. That’s like a poll,” Trump told the crowd,The Washington Postreports. “You know, when you’re in television for 18 years, that’s like a poll. That means people like you.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity — another Trump ally — alsoendorsed Ozin March.
Parnelltweeted following the former President’s endorsementto express his disappointment: “Oz is the antithesis of everything that made Trump the best president of my lifetime—he’s the farthest thing from America First & he’d be very bad for PA.”
When Oz officially announced hisrun for Senatein a NovemberThe Washington Examinerop-ed piece, he said he wanted to “help fix the problems and to help us heal.”
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A spokesperson forThe Dr. Oz Showearlier told PEOPLE: “Since last year, Dr. Oz has lived and voted in Pennsylvania where he attended school and has deep family ties.”
source: people.com
