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These House Republicans plan to object certifying Biden’s win

By Shannon Larson Globe Staff,Updated January 5, 2021, 9:13 a.m.
Representative Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, left, talked with Representative Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida, during a House Judiciary Committee meeting on Capitol Hill on Dec. 12, 2019.Alex Brandon/Associated Press

President Trump’s attempt to overturn the presidential election is splitting the Republican Party, with many GOP lawmakers saying they will object to certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win despite an outpouring of condemnation from current and former party officials warning the effort is undermining Americans’ faith in democracy.

It’s unclear to what extent GOP leaders in Congress will be able to control Wednesday’s joint session, which could drag into the night, though the challenges to the election are all but certain to fail. Trump himself is whipping up crowds for a Wednesday rally near the White House.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has tried to prevent his party from engaging in this battle, which could help define the GOP in the post-Trump era. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Trump ally, has declined to say much publicly on it.

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Vice President Mike Pence, who is under pressure to tip the results for Trump, will be closely watched as he presides in a ceremonial role over Wednesday’s joint session.

“I promise you this: On Wednesday, we’ll have our day in Congress,” Pence said while campaigning in Georgia ahead of Tuesday’s runoff elections that will determine control of the Senate.

The congressional effort to keep Trump in office is being led by Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, along with rank-and-file House members, some on the party’s fringe.

Related: Here’s where Senate Republicans stand on certifying Biden’s win

“Just got off the phone with @realDonaldTrump,” tweeted newly elected Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is aligned with a conspiracy group backing Trump.

“He wants you to call your Rep & Senators TODAY, ALL DAY!” she tweeted Monday. “Don’t let Republicans be the Surrender Caucus!” She later appeared onstage with Trump as he held a campaign rally in Georgia.

So far, Trump has enlisted support from a dozen Republican senators and up to 100 House Republicans to challenge Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win.

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Here’s a look at the House Republicans who have announced their intention to stand with Trump and object to the certification of the Electoral College votes.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Shannon Larson can be reached at shannon.larson@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @shannonlarson98.

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