Democrats May Not Certify Election If Trump Wins

Democrats are sending signals that they may not accept the results of the 2024 presidential election if President Donald Trump emerges victorious. Key Democratic figures have expressed hesitancy about committing to certify the election outcome, raising concerns that they may challenge its legitimacy.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) recently told Axios that while Democrats will certify the results, they must first determine whether the election was “free, fair and honest.” He hinted that he would have serious doubts if Trump were to win, reflecting the skepticism many Democrats have expressed.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) echoed similar sentiments, saying Democrats must “see how it all happens” before committing to certifying the election. His remarks suggest the party is leaving the door open to challenge the outcome if they are unsatisfied with the process.

Other Democrats, such as Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), have voiced concerns about potential irregularities. Schakowsky, who previously challenged George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection, indicated that she worries about “shenanigans” from Trump and is not ready to accept the results without thorough scrutiny.

The refusal by Democrats to unequivocally commit to certifying the election results has sparked fears of a prolonged dispute, especially given the party’s history of contesting election outcomes. Hillary Clinton has famously claimed that Trump was an “illegitimate president,” and Stacey Abrams has repeatedly argued that she “won” the 2018 governor’s race in Georgia despite losing.

If Democrats challenge the results, it could lead to widespread unrest, particularly among their left-wing supporters, who may view a Trump victory as fraudulent.