Biography
David Harold McCormick, born on August 17, 1965, in Washington, Pennsylvania, is a Republican politician and businessman serving as the junior United States Senator from Pennsylvania since January 3, 2025. Raised in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, he is the son of two lifelong educators. McCormick's early life was marked by a strong work ethic, engaging in activities such as playing football and wrestling, trimming Christmas trees, delivering newspapers, and bussing tables at the Magee Hotel.
After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1987, McCormick served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was deployed to the Middle East during the First Gulf War, where he received the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq before retiring as a Captain.
Following his military service, McCormick earned a Ph.D. in international relations from Princeton University. He then embarked on a business career, becoming the CEO of FreeMarkets, a successful tech startup in Pittsburgh. In 2005, he joined the George W. Bush administration, serving in various roles, including Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. After leaving public service in 2009, McCormick became the CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world's largest hedge funds, a position he held until 2022.
In 2024, McCormick ran for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, narrowly defeating three-term Democratic incumbent Bob Casey Jr. by just over 15,000 votes out of nearly seven million cast, a margin of 0.22%.
Education
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Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point
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Ph.D. in International Relations from Princeton University
Political Experience
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Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security
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Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs
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Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs
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United States Senator from Pennsylvania
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Military Service: Served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the First Gulf War, receiving the Bronze Star.
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Business Leadership: CEO of FreeMarkets and later CEO of Bridgewater Associates, overseeing significant growth and success in both organizations.
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Public Service: Held key positions in the George W. Bush administration, contributing to international economic policy and national security.
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Legislative Work: As a U.S. Senator, McCormick has focused on issues such as energy policy, foreign relations, and banking. He chairs the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, and the Energy Subcommittee on Energy.
McCormick's diverse background in military service, business leadership, and public policy positions him as a multifaceted leader dedicated to serving Pennsylvania and the nation.
