Decision 2020

‘The People Have Spoken': Local Lawmakers React to Biden's Projected Win

New England's mostly Democratic legislative delegation reacted with joy on social media on Saturday after Joe Biden was projected as the winner of the 2020 presidential election

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New England's mostly Democratic legislative delegation reacted with joy on social media on Saturday as Joe Biden was projected as the winner of the presidential election by NBC News and other national news outlets.

"Thank God," said outgoing U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts.

"A big congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris," said U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. "We have a lot of work ahead of us to contain this pandemic and build back better -- and I know Joe and Kamala will work hard to unite our country as we confront these challenges."

"It's official!" said U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.

"The people have spoken & the goodness of America is shining through," added U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts.

"America has turned the page on the last four years," U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine said.

"Congratulations Joe Biden and Kamala Harris!" tweeted U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. "This is a historic victory for all Americans--for workers, immigrants, women, communities of color. For everyone who believes in science, equality, justice and decency. We will rebuild and emerge stronger under their leadership."

"President-Elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-Elect @Kamala Harris! That feels so good to say," said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. "Americans chose Joe and Kamala to lead us forward with purpose and moral clarity. We've got a lot to do. Let's get to work."

"Congratulations President Biden!" said recently-reelected U.S. Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont. "I am looking forward to working with you to deliver immediate COVID relief for Americans, roll back the harmful Trump policies and enact meaningful legislation for working Americans."

"I can't wait to get to work," U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said.

More on their reaction below:

Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker congratulated both Biden and Harris on their victory, saying after a long and divisive campaign, now is a critical time for Americans to focus on the very real and immediate challenges facing our nation.

"If the courts do get involved, they must move quickly to make fact-based, lawful decisions, because the people of this nation - who came out and voted in record numbers - deserve a government that can work collaboratively to fight COVID-19, rebuild our economy and give people hope that there will be a positive path forward," Baker said.

Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott also issued a statement congratulating Biden and Harris.

“And regardless of who we voted for, each of us must do all we can to heal our nation," he said. "We simply cannot go on with the level of division and polarization we’re seeing. It is preventing us from addressing our greatest challenges and strengthening adversaries who want to dim the bright light of liberty and economic opportunity that America represents in the world."

“We are counting on President-Elect Biden to deliver the principled, unifying leadership he committed to on the campaign trail," Scott added. "We are counting on the Congress to find a better, less partisan and more American path forward. And we are counting on President Trump and his administration to honor the will of the people, respect our democratic process and commit to the peaceful transfer of power that is the very foundation of our republic."

Democratic Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo was also among those weighing in on Twitter on Saturday:

Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement that she looks forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration "to improve the lives of Maine people."

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a longtime supporter of Biden, also issued a statement congratulating his friend.

"Boston will never forget Joe Biden’s visit to our city on the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing and the way he comforted and uplifted our entire city," the mayor said. "And I could not be more grateful to the President-elect for presiding over my second inauguration as Mayor in 2018."

"In Boston we will be ready on day one to build a powerful partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration," Walsh added. "From battling COVID-19 to combating climate change and ending systemic racism, I could not be more excited to get to work with leaders who see mayors as partners and cities as engines of opportunity and justice.”

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