HOUSTON — Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected President of the United States, projected now to be the winner by every network and The Associated Press. Reaction is coming from both sides of the aisle, including from those in Texas.
Former Republican President George W. Bush offered his congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden. His full statement was tweeted by WFAA reporter William Joy.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, congratulated Joe Biden, tweeting the following.
Hidalgo went on to tweet of the significance of Sen. Kamala Harris for making history in the role of vice president.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo also congratulated Biden and noted the significance of Harris being elected.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee expressed that now is the time to heal.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson congratulated Biden, then saying this is an opportunity for unity in leadership.
He also recognized the significance of Kamala's Harris' upcoming role as vice president.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg also made a call for unity with the election of Joe Biden to the presidency.
Meanwhile Republican Senator John Cornyn, who won re-election earlier this week. also reacted. Cornyn retweeted a reporter who posted a quote from Chuck Schumer. Cornyn was referring to the Senate runoffs in Georgia.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner congratulated Biden with a photo.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler tweeted his reaction, celebrating the process and calling for civility.
Beto O'Rourke also extended his congratulations to Biden and Harris.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued his congratulations to Biden and Harris on the win.
Texas GOP Chairman Allen West released a statement, in part saying, "Biden and Harris will be similar to Barry Bonds and have a permanent asterisk by their names. Americans don’t like cheaters, and the perception of such lends itself to reality, just ask Tom Brady about Deflate=Gate."
The Texas Democrats Chair Gilberto Hinojosa, and Vice Chair, Dr. Carla Brailey issued this joint statement:
“Texas Democrats are ecstatic Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been declared the clear winners of the 2020 presidential election. With this victory, we have proven that the arc of justice leans towards good and we are on the path to restoring the soul of the nation.
“As stated by Joe Biden, ‘it was never his nor Donald Trump’s place to declare a winner of the 2020 presidential election, that is a decision of the American people,’ and today, the American people have clearly spoken by electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to lead our country out of this darkness and into the light.
Former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus also sent his congratulations.
One of the first to react was former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who had a simple message.