Washington Reacts To Biden's Projected Victory Over Trump

WASHINGTON — Many in Washington were still sleeping in Saturday morning when the Associated Press and other news organizations first announced their projections that Democrat Joe Biden would win the 2020 presidential election.

But as Washington woke up, reactions came fast, pouring in from all corners of the evergreen state.

Gov. Jay Inslee, himself hot off of a recent win against Republican challenger Loren Culp, issued a statement congratulating Biden and VP Kamala Harris for their presumed victory, reading in part:

“The American people have spoken. My heartfelt congratulations go out to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on receiving more votes than any presidential ticket in history and, with it, a clear majority of votes in the Electoral College. I am extremely optimistic about America’s future under their leadership.

“The Biden-Harris administration will restore our nation to its principles, with respect for the rights of each and every American regardless of personal opinion or patronage. President-elect Biden has been a public servant for more than four decades, and the promise of his candidacy spoke to Americans of all generations. He will bring thoughtful, compassionate and credible leadership to the White House."

Inslee goes on to recognize Harris' unique accomplishment: becoming the first woman and first person of color ever elected to the Vice Presidency. Read the governor's full statement here.

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Inslee's sentiment, that a Biden-Harris presidency offered an opportunity for American healing and growth after four years divided by the bitterly partisan Donald Trump, was echoed by other high-profile Democrats across the state, including Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan.

Some, like Rep. Pramila Jayapal, appeared more enthusiastic than others.

Jayapal was far from the only person dancing, however. The news also served as a rare spot of joy for an embattled Seattle neighborhood. Seattle's Capitol Hill has been wracked over recent months by nearly-nightly clashes between police and protesters. Earlier this summer, police abandoned their East Precinct, allowing protesters to establish the 'Capitol Hill Occupied Protest' or CHOP. The CHOP was then in turn used by the Trump Administration as cause to label Seattle an "Anarchist Jurisdiction" and threaten to withhold the city's federal funding, further escalating tension between Trump, protesters, police and Seattle's elected officials.

But, after trudging through months of conflict, Capitol Hill residents woke to the news that Trump would be leaving office and many took to the streets to celebrate.

On Twitter, witnesses shared videos of impromptu dance sessions.

Drivers passing through the neighborhood could be heard slamming their horns in rhythm, the burst of noise an apparent declaration of joy, a call to continue the party.

And as The Seattle Times reports, some neighbors even set off fireworks to celebrate Trump's loss.

Capitol Hill wasn't the only part of the city celebrating. Footage shared by Q13 News' AJ Janavel shows residents dancing into 'The Junction' intersection in West Seattle, unusual for the normally-sleepy Seattle suburb.

Of course, though state voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of a Biden presidency, not everyone in Washington is so happy to see President Trump go. In Olympia, Trump backers held a "Stop the Steal" protest outside the Capitol building. As the Associated Press reports, a number of similar Stop the Steal events have been organized across the country, based on the false assumption that Democrats are "stealing" the election from Trump, which they believe he rightfully won. One of the largest Stop the Steal Facebook pages, which had gathered more than 350,000 members, was removed from Facebook after several members called for violence against political opponents, but witnesses say Saturday's rally at the Washington Capitol was largely peaceful, barring a short scuffle with counterprotesters.

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