Orientation for first-time US senators begins this week, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has declined to extend an invitation to Republican Dave McCormick.

While votes are still being counted, McCormick is leading the race against incumbent Democrat Bob Cassey.

McCormick was projected to win the race by the Associated Press. However, Casey did not acknowledge the race, and several major media outlets have yet to declare a winner, stating that the race was still too close to determine a definite outcome.

According to The HillSen. Krysten Sinema of Arizona said McCormick should be invited to the orientation, along with Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who is currently leading a Senate race in Arizona.

Sinema, a former democrat, became independent in 2022.

“In 2018, my race was not called for 6 days”, Sinema said in a post on X. “I jumped on the red eye to DC for Senate orientation – I learned so much and made lasting relationships that week. Dave McCormick and Ruben Gallego will be senators for PA and AZ. They should be invited to orientation and start learning the trade.”

Politico reported that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is also among those calling for McCormick to be included in the guidance this week.

“Schumer doesn’t allow it @DaveMcCormickPA to attend Senate orientation this week as Casey refuses to accept race,” Rubio posted on X. “What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the election result?”

McCormick’s supporters say McCormick’s current lead of about 40,000 votes will be insurmountable for Casey.

However, a spokesperson for Schumer said that “With more than 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race is not decided. As usual, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted.”