Republican Leaders Recognize Joe Biden as President-elect

Following the Electoral College vote on Monday, many Republican leaders, who have hesitated since election day, are beginning to recognize Joe Biden as President-elect. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) publicly acknowledged Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Reportedly, McConnell was waiting for the electoral votes to become final before issuing his statement.

In a speech on the Senate floor, McConnell stated, “Our country has, officially, a president-elect and vice-president-elect,” solidifying his recognition with an offer of congratulations and saying Biden is “no stranger to the Senate,” having served many years in public office. Senator McConnell also congratulated the nation’s first woman Vice President-elect, saying our nation can take pride in electing Kamala Harris as the first woman to the office of Vice President for the first time in history. Other reluctant Republicans have also begun to publicly recognize the election results. The second highest ranking Republican, Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD), told reporters on Monday, it is now time to “move on.”

Trump’s challenges to overturn Joe Biden’s legitimate win are rapidly dwindling, despite his final attempt at having Congress deny the official vote count. It is highly unlikely any members of Congress would honor such an invalid request. GOP Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who is closely allied with McConnell, called it “a bad mistake” for Republicans to attempt to change the formal outcome when Congress officially counts the votes on January 6 as part of the election protocol to formally officiate Joe Biden as President of the United States.