(The Center Square) – Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation offered mixed reactions to the certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
The vice president proclaimed the official results Monday at a joint session of Congress.
“The votes for President of the United States are as follows: Donald J. Trump of the state of Florida has received 312 votes. Kamala D. Harris of the state of California has received 226 votes,” Harris announced.
In a video posted on X before the session began, the vice president said it was her sacred obligation to certify the votes.
“The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most fundamental principles of American democracy,” Harris said.
The results were different in Illinois, as announced by Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil.
“Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the state of Illinois seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefore that Kamala D. Harris of the state of California received 19 votes for president and Tim Walz of the state of Minnesota received 19 votes for vice president,” Steil announced on the House floor.
Every state bordering Illinois cast its votes for Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-IL, released a statement Monday morning.
“Today, January 6, 2025, Congress will vote to certify the 2024 presidential election in a Joint Session of Congress. Sadly, four years ago, this solemn proceeding was disrupted when a mob of Trump-inspired thugs attacked and trashed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn a free, fair, and valid election.
“The grimmest reality of that day was the resulting deaths of five of our law enforcement officers: Officer Brian Sicknick, Officer Howard Liebengood, Officer Jeffrey Smith, Officer Gunther Hashida, and Officer Kyle DeFreytag – and the injuries of approximately 140 other law enforcement officers, many of whom still pay a price for that day when they stood in defense of the Capitol building and the people inside of it.
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth also recalled the violence in Washington four years ago.
“On the fourth anniversary of January 6th, 2021, we honor the bravery of the Capitol Police, National Guard, DC Metro Police and all who risked their lives to protect our Capitol against violent insurrectionists and defend our democracy,” Duckworth said.
Many U.S. House Democrats posted similar statements on X.
“Four years ago, more than 2,000 insurrectionists violently attacked our U.S. Capitol to undermine the peaceful transition of power, on direct orders from Donald Trump. January 6 was an assault on our democracy that we must never forget,” Illinois U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood wrote.
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) posted, “Four years ago today, I took cover in the US House Gallery as Capitol Police bravely fought to secure the House Chamber from a violent mob of insurrectionists intent on overturning the 2020 election,” Illinois U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider said.
Illinois Republicans took a different approach to the day’s events in Washington.
U.S. Rep. Mike Bost posted a video from his spot in the Capitol of Harris announcing the results.
“Today I was privileged to witness history from my seat on the House floor. Congress certified the Electoral College votes for Donald J. Trump, the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms in office in over 130 years. Two weeks to go until Inauguration Day!” Bost tweeted.
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller posted an image of George Washington kneeling in prayer next to his horse in the snow.
“As we head to the Capitol in this beautiful snow, I am reminded of George Washington’s proclamation: ‘It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.’” Miller posted.
