Just before President Trump’s grassroots supporters stormed the United States Capitol, both he and Donald Trump Jr. warned congressional Republicans who might vote to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory: Object or face career-ending primary challenges.
When Congress reconvened to continue certifying electoral votes hours later, after the violent mob was dispersed and the Capitol was secured, a majority of House Republicans heeded the political threats made by Trump and his eldest son earlier Wednesday. Votes to affirm the results in Arizona and Pennsylvania, states narrowly won by Biden, drew objections from 121 and 138 Republicans, respectively, including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana.
