He doesn’t believe Congress can overturn an election.
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas stated on Sunday that he would uphold the 2024 election results and vote to certify them in 2025, mirroring his actions in 2020.
During an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Cotton expressed his belief that Congress lacks the constitutional authority to reject state-certified electors. He affirmed his commitment to accepting and certifying election results that are deemed fair and free.
While there’s speculation about Cotton being considered as a potential vice presidential candidate for former President Donald Trump, he clarified that he hasn’t discussed this with Trump or his campaign. However, he acknowledged that any patriot offered the opportunity to serve the country by the president would need to consider it seriously.
In contrast, other Republican senators like Marco Rubio of Florida and Tim Scott of South Carolina, who are also rumored to be on the vice presidential shortlist, declined to commit to accepting this year’s election results on “Meet the Press.” Scott later affirmed that he would indeed vote to certify the election.
Cotton defended his divergence from some within his party, including Trump, when he voted to certify the 2020 election results for President Joe Biden. He clarified that while he and Trump disagreed on the potential outcomes of the certification, he believed Congress lacked the constitutional authority to reject electors.
Regarding Trump’s goal of pardoning individuals charged in connection with the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, Cotton suggested that Trump should assess each case individually. He advocated for pardoning those facing minor charges, such as misdemeanors related to unauthorized assembly, who didn’t assault law enforcement or damage property.
Cotton’s remarks align with Trump’s previous promises to pardon individuals he perceives as unjustly incarcerated due to their involvement in the events of January 6, 2021.
