Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, a potential vice presidential candidate, said Sunday that he would “fully plan” to accept the results of the presidential election — if the election were “free and fair.”
His comments echo those of a number of former President Donald Trump’s potential running mates, who have been hesitant to accept the election results. Trump himself has repeatedly spread false claims about voter fraud and the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
“I intend to fully accept the 2024 results,” Vance told CNN anchor Dana Bashadding that he believes Trump will be victorious.
“If it’s a free and fair election, Dana, I think all Republicans will accept the results with enthusiasm,” said Vance, who is considered a possible Trump running mate. “And again, I think these results will show that Donald Trump was elected president.”
However, he added that people should be able to “pursue” any “problems” with the elections.
“If you think there were problems, you have to be willing to pursue those problems and try to prosecute the case,” Vance said. “And certainly, if we have free and fair elections, I will accept the results.”
Last Sunday, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., sidestepped questions about whether he would accept the election results, saying, “Ultimately, the 47th president of the United States will be President Donald Trump.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., voted against certifying Pennsylvania’s 2020 election results and did not commit to saying she would certify this year’s election results in a January interview.
President Joe Biden has frequently denounced Trump’s election denialism and warned about his allies, whom he describe as “test for vice president.”
“You can’t love your country only when you win” he said at a campaign reception Friday in California, a phrase he uses often.
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