Democrats Raise Concerns Over January 6, 2025, as Potential Repeat of 2021 Unrest Looms

As the 2024 election intensifies, Democrats are increasingly focused on what could happen during the January 6, 2025, certification of the presidential vote, fearing a potential disruption led by Speaker Mike Johnson. Despite hoping for a Kamala Harris victory and a flipped House, Democrats are concerned that Johnson could obstruct the process, creating a contested election scenario similar to the events of January 6, 2021. Politico reports.

Electoral Count Fears

Johnson, who filed an amicus brief after the 2020 election seeking to overturn results in swing states, could be positioned to influence the vote count if Republicans retain control of the House. Under the 12th Amendment, if no candidate wins 270 electoral votes, the House could choose the next president, with each state delegation casting a single vote. Democrats, including Rep. Joe Morelle, express concern over Johnson’s past actions and his potential role in a contested scenario.

Although reforms to the Electoral Count Act in 2022 made it harder to object to electoral votes, requiring 20 percent support from each chamber, Democrats remain wary of Johnson’s legal knowledge. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law expert, has voiced his concerns about Johnson’s ability to craft legal arguments that could undermine the electoral process.

Worst-Case Scenarios

Some Democrats worry Johnson could delay the vote count or rewrite the rules governing the January 6 session, potentially opening new challenges to the results. Johnson’s role as speaker gives him significant control over the process, raising fears that he could halt or influence the proceedings, leaving the courts to intervene. Adding to these fears, Democrats also worry about the possibility of no speaker being elected by January 6, further complicating the process.

Despite these concerns, some Republicans believe Johnson will resist pressure from the MAGA wing of his party and maintain order, citing his past independence on issues like Ukraine funding. Johnson’s relationship with former Vice President Mike Pence, who refused to overturn the 2020 election, gives some Democrats hope that Johnson will ultimately follow a similar path.

Preparing for All Outcomes

While the scenario of a Harris victory combined with a Republican House majority is considered unlikely, Democrats are taking no chances. Behind closed doors, they are strategizing how to handle a contested election and raising funds to ensure they can flip the House.

Rep. Morelle acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “We’re prepared for any eventuality,” though he expressed hope that Johnson would ultimately “do the right thing” if the election became contested.