Former Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, is sounding the alarm about the implications of a GOP-controlled Congress next year. Concerns are rising on both sides over the legitimacy of this year’s election results.
Election integrity has been a significant topic, especially following former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims that his 2020 defeat was the result of a “rigged” election.
At a recent rally in Michigan, Trump reiterated his belief that he “won” in 2020, despite the official tally indicating otherwise. He encouraged attendees to vote, stating, “We did great in 2016 and even better in 2020. It was a rigged election.”
During a press briefing, President Biden expressed confidence that the upcoming election would be “free and fair” but voiced concerns about a peaceful transfer of power, referencing Trump’s behavior post-2020.
Cheney, distancing herself from election denialism, has gone so far as to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, sharing that her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, also plans to vote for Harris.
In a Sunday chat with NBC’s Meet The Press, Cheney expressed her lack of faith in the electoral process and warned against a Republican majority in the House come January 2025. She specifically called out House Speaker Mike Johnson, stating he was aware of the falsehoods surrounding Trump’s fraud claims.
Cheney remarked, “I do not believe Mike Johnson will meet his constitutional duties. Given his prior knowledge of the false fraud claims, it’s alarming. We need to ensure Republicans do not hold a majority in the House.”
This warning follows a significant action where 147 congressional members—including 139 House Republicans—refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory. Among them were Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, alongside Congressman Mo Brooks.
Research noted that numerous lawsuits filed by Trump and his supporters post-election failed to provide substantial evidence of fraud.
Cheney’s concerns were echoed when Johnson was asked about certifying the 2024 results. He expressed commitment to uphold constitutional duties, stating, “A free and fair legal election will be certified, that’s our hope and prayer.”
When pressed by Welker about undermining election confidence, Johnson insisted his stance aligned with constitutional processes and that the peaceful transfer of power would prevail in both 2020 and 2024.
In light of these tensions, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has committed to certifying the 2024 election results. New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer and Nebraska Representative Don Bacon initiated the “Unity Commitment,” aiming to promote calm and respect for the rule of law.
Bacon stated, “In America, we value election results, and though we may fight hard during campaigns, we must respect the outcome once votes are counted.” Together, they pledge to advocate for reconciliation and peace in the electoral process.