Refusing to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election has become a key issue for Republicans aspiring to be former President Trump’s running mate. However, this stance is causing discomfort among their Senate GOP colleagues, who worry about the potential for another January 6-style crisis if Trump loses.
Many Senate Republicans are firmly rejecting the notion that a win for Biden in election would be due to fraud. They are sending a clear message to Trump and his supporters that any move to challenge the outcome without hard evidence of misconduct won’t garner much support in Washington.
While Trump has signaled his unwillingness to accept the election results in advance, most GOP lawmakers are not following suit. Only a few, who are eager to be considered for his VP slot, are aligning themselves with his stance. This ambition is isolating them within the GOP.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed concern about the lingering anxiety from the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. She emphasized that the question of accepting the election results is crucial given the events of that day. Murkowski and other Republicans agree that either Trump or Biden has the right to challenge the results in court, but they stress that without clear and compelling evidence of widespread fraud, the losing candidate must accept the outcome.
Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) reiterated this stance, stating that while it is appropriate to investigate any concerns about the election, once all legal avenues are exhausted, the results should be accepted. Thune and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) took a similar position after the 2020 election, emphasizing the importance of upholding the results validated by the courts.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) plans to scrutinize the election results and claims of fraud, but expects to certify the results, much like he did in 2021. He recalled contacting legislative leaders in 2020 to investigate fraud claims and was reassured there was no widespread fraud.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also expressed confidence in accepting the 2024 election results, stating simply, “The results are the results.” Despite this, Trump continues to cast doubts on the fairness of the upcoming election, a tactic some Republican senators are emulating to appeal to the GOP base or to be considered for the vice-presidential position.
Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), both potential VP picks, have avoided committing to accepting the election results in public interviews. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is up for reelection and previously led efforts to delay the certification of the 2020 results, called questions about accepting future results “ridiculous,” although he claims significant voter fraud occurred in 2020.
Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), another possible VP contender, stated he would accept the results if the election is “free and fair,” but stressed the importance of addressing any fraud claims.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), a potential successor to McConnell as Senate GOP leader, said he would defer to the courts in case of election result disputes. He noted that many states have improved their election laws, especially regarding absentee voting, to address concerns raised during the pandemic.
Overall, while a faction of the GOP remains aligned with Trump’s skepticism of the election process, a significant number of Senate Republicans are advocating for the acceptance of the results, provided they are validated through the proper legal channels.