A Running List of All the Republicans Who Congratulated Biden, Accepted Reality

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden speaks to the media after receiving a briefing from the transition COVID-19 advisory board on November 09, 2020 at the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware. Mr. Biden spoke about how his administration would respond to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

By Elle Meyers

November 10, 2020

There are a few prominent GOP members who have given up on Trump’s evidence-less claims of voter fraud.

President-elect Joe Biden has won the popular vote by almost three percentage points so far, breaking the record set by President Barack Obama in 2008. But as President Donald Trump continues lying about voter fraud without any evidence, and few GOP politicians have publicly congratulated Biden. 

This list will grow in the coming weeks. So far, here are the prominent Republicans who have recognized Biden’s win.

Karl Rove, former strategist for President George W. Bush

Rove wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Nov. 11 with a blunt headline: “This Election Result Won’t Be Overturned.” Rove wrote that Trump was within his rights to try to challenge the election results, but that they were “unlikely to move a single state from Mr. Biden’s column, and certainly they’re not enough to change the final outcome.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine

The Republican governor backed Trump for a second term, but on Nov. 12 told CNN that Biden was the president-elect. “I think that we need to consider the former vice president as the President-elect. Joe Biden is the President-elect,” DeWine said. He added that he is more worried about the spread of the coronavirus, which has been spiking throughout the country.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT)

Romney took to Twitter on Nov. 7 to congratulate President-elect Biden. 

“We know both of them as people of goodwill and admirable character. We pray that God may bless them in the days and years ahead,” he wrote

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE)

Sasse released a statement on Nov. 8 sending his best wishes to Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. 

“Today in our house we pray for both President Trump and President-Elect Biden, that both would be wise in the execution of their respective duties during this important time in our nation,” he said. 

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

Collins released a statement and took to Twitter on Nov. 9 to congratulate Biden on his “apparent victory.” She also encouraged other leaders to provide Biden and his team with all the resources they need to begin the new presidential term in January. 

“I wish him every success,” she said. “Presidential transitions are important, and the President-elect and the Vice President-elect should be given every opportunity to ensure that they are ready to govern on January 20th.” 

She went on to note that the President himself and many American people have questions about the election and that there is a fair process to challenge the results. 

“I know many are eager to have certainty right now. While we have a clear direction, we should continue to respect that process. I urge people to be patient. The process has not failed our country in more than 200 years, and it is not going to fail our country this year.” 

Some GOP members who are not currently in office also sent their congratulations and well wishes to Biden and Harris. 

Former Vice President Dan Quayle 

“You know, it’s tough in defeat,” Quayle told the New York Times. “It’s time to move on, and therefore I hope that there’s some sort of announcement from the White House sooner rather than later.” 

Quayle ran as an incumbent alongside President George H.W. Bush against the Clinton ticket in 1992 and ultimately lost. 

President George W. Bush 

“I extend my warm congratulations and thanked him for the patriotic message he delivered last night,” Bush said in a statement after speaking with Biden over the phone. “I also called Kamala Harris to congratulate her on her historic election to the vice presidency. Though we have political differences, I know Joe Biden to be a good man who has won his opportunity to lead and unify our country.” 

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

Senator Lisa Murkowski took to Twitter to congratulate Biden on Nov. 7. She acknowledged that ballots are still being counted in many states and legal challenges are underway but it’s clear Biden is the projected winner. 

“I congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and will be ready to work with their administration when it takes office,” she wrote. “While we may not always agree, I will work with them to do what is right for Alaska– just as I will continue to emphasize collaboration and bipartisanship with my colleagues in a narrowly divided Senate.” 

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)

Rep. Fred Upton was one of the first GOP members in Congress to congratulate Biden on Nov. 7. 

“The votes have been counted, the American people have spoken, and they chose Joe Biden to serve as our next President,” he wrote on Twitter. “We have to find a way to come together, bridge divisions, and focus on solutions that help the millions who are struggling.” 

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill)

Rep. Adam Kinzinger congratulated Biden and Kamala Harris on Twitter, saying that our “nation deserves two competing parties who can work together when possible, and compete honorably when not.” 

Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY)

Rep. Tom Reed encouraged officials to continue counting votes and certify the end result of the election via a statement on Twitter

“However, out of respect and in deference to the moment, I extend my congratulations to President-elect Biden. We are ready to come together, work as one and help all Americans through the difficult times ahead.”

Corey Stapleton, Montana’s Republican Secretary of State 

Montana’s Republican Secretary of State Corey Stapleton took to Twitter on Nov. 7 to explain that while he has supported President Trump, his time in office has come to a close. 

“I have supported you, Mr. President, we (Montana) have supported you– and [President Trump] accomplished some incredible things during your time in office!” He wrote. “But that time is now over. Tip your hat, bite your lip, and congratulate Joe Biden. Blessings on you and your family.” 

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