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Utahns React to Presidential Election Results

Trump supporters protesting at the Utah State Capitol.
Kelsie Moore
/
KUER
Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered at the Utah State Capitol on Saturday afternoon to protest the declaration that the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris has secured enough electoral votes to win the election.

Joe Biden has secured enough electoral votes to become the next president of the United States, according to the Associated Press. Across the country, people took to the streets to protest or celebrate, including here in Utah.

Here are reactions from some Utahns following this morning’s announcement.

Protests At The Utah State Capitol

A crowd began gathering before noon Saturday at the Utah State Capitol in response to the election results.

Supporters of Biden wore masks and held Biden-Harris campaign signs as well as Black Lives Matter signs.

But a larger group of supporters of President Donald Trump carried guns and American flags while chanting “all lives matter” and “don’t steal the vote.” Trump has continued to allege, without evidence, that Democrats stole the election by counting illegal votes.

One person addressed the crowd over a megaphone, calling for people to stand behind Trump and continue to support him.

“All your friends, family, everyone that you know, we have to stay together as patriots,” the speaker said. “We have to stand strong for our president, Donald Trump. One nation, under God, indivisible.”

Reactions From Around The State

We asked KUER listeners to tell us how they were feeling after the presidential race was called on Saturday. Here’s what some of them had to say.

Barb Clark

Barb Clark was elated to learn that President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris had won the election.

“I am absolutely torn to tears,” Clark said. “I feel like this is one for my mom who died from COVID-19.”

Tiana Chavez, Ogden

Chavez was driving to Capitol Reef to officiate a wedding when she heard the news.

“I had to turn around and go back home because I needed to talk to my 12-year-old daughter about who Kamala Harris is and what that means, having her in the position of vice president of the United States,” Chavez said. “She's a woman and she's a woman of color.”

John Griffith

John Griffith said he was happy to see the Trump Administration denied another four years in power, but he was not enthusiastic about President-elect Biden’s victory.

“I don't expect a whole lot of change at all,” Griffith said. “Our country is in need of much more dramatic change than Biden is willing to or able to deliver.”

Cole Capener, Park City

Cole Capener, a self-described “proud Latter-day Saint for Biden,” celebrated the results. “This is a great day for America,” Capener said. “Let the healing begin.”

Mary-Jane Lamoreuax, Sandy

Mary-Jane Lamoreuax, a member of Utah’s Republican Party, said she was very happy with the outcome of the election. “I want what's best for our country and I think that President-elect Biden is the perfect person to help the people come together,” she said.

Jamie Larson

Jamie Larson said she was proud of the Biden-Harris victory.

“I'm so proud to be an American again,” she said. “I feel like this is such a historic moment for a female to be vice president-elect.”

Andrew Cortes, Cottonwood Heights

Andrew Cortes is involved in the theater scene and said four years ago when Trump was elected, it was a dark moment.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” he said. “For so many of my friends and loved ones, the last four years, they were persecuted and objectified. I'm just so happy for them to realize that America has voted that they matter.”

Carl Palmer, St. George

Southern Utah Republican Carl Palmer said Biden’s victory came as a relief.

“I am so excited and so grateful that Joe Biden has won the presidency of the United States,” he said. “We're seeing the true character now of Donald Trump.”

Jennifer Browning, Layton

Browning wasn’t a fan of either candidate, but said she voted to reject the White House of the past four years.

What I feel right now is intense relief. I don't love Biden, but I loathe Trump. And I guess I cast my vote against Trump this cycle,” she said. “My hope is that there's less divisiveness under Biden's presidency, but I'm hoping for better days.”

Liberty Park Rally For Democratic victory in the presidential race
Emily Means
/
KUER
Supporters of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gathered in Liberty Park on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the duo securing enough electoral votes to win the presidential race.

Utah’s Politicians Weigh In

Mitt Romney

Utah’s junior senator was the state’s first congressperson to publicly congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, tweeting a shared message from him and his wife, Anne Romney, on Saturday morning.

“We know both of them as people of good will and admirable character,” Romney said in the Tweet. “We pray that God may bless them in the days and years ahead."

Deidre Henderson

Lt. Gov.-elect Deidre Henderson recognized the historic nature of Vice President-elect Harris’ victory on Saturday afternoon, sharing a series of tweets that highlighted the significance of Harris becoming the first woman ever elected vice president of the United States.

“I may belong to a different political party, but I offer my sincere congratulations to Vice President-elect, Kamala Harrris,” Henderson wrote in a tweet. “I’m excited to see her break down this barrier and make the path a little smoother for women in the future.”

Spencer Cox

Gov.-elect Spencer Cox offered congratulations to Biden and Harris, thanking them for their “commitment to unite us all.”

Additionally, he thanked President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their “sacrifice and leadership.”

“It has been a privilege to serve with you,” Cox wrote. “We understand the toll that elected office takes on you and your families and are grateful for your willingness to serve.”

Cox also addressed concerns about the elections process and said “nothing is official until all votes are counted and certified.” He said it’s important for any legal challenges that arise to play out.

Brian King

Utah House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, offered a succinct response to the election results.

“46 > 45,” he said in a Tweet.

Emily Means is a government and politics reporter at KUER.
David is a reporter and producer working on Sent Away, an investigative podcast series from KUER, The Salt Lake Tribune and APM Reports.
Ross Terrell is the managing editor at KUER.
KUER is listener-supported public radio. Support this work by making a donation today.