The GOP’s persistent embrace of debunked claims of widespread voter fraud, as well as the handful of Republican candidates seeking congressional seats after participating in “Stop the Steal” rallies, further underlines Trump’s continued hold on the party after some Republicans drifted away following Jan. 6. After Trump and other California Republicans laid the groundwork for evidence-free challenges to a Democratic victory in the California recall election earlier this year, at least one House Republican had suggested — before Tuesday’s election — that similar claims might be order in case of a loss by GOP nominee Glenn Youngkin in Virginia’s gubernatorial race.
In short, the party’s balancing act surrounding the 2020 vote and Trump’s influence isn’t about to end — despite Democrats’ interest in making 2022, and 2024, a referendum on the polarizing former president. And most conservatives aren’t too worried….
The continued circulation of Trump’s fraud rhetoric has alarmed prosecutors and federal judges, who’ve described it as a harbinger of potential future Jan. 6-style violent episodes. Prosecutors have charged more than 650 people with breaching the Capitol during the pro-Trump insurrection earlier this year, with many defendants citing their allegiance to Trump as the reason they participated in the attack.
Some Republicans in the House, including stalwart conservatives, worry that Trump’s obsession with his loss in 2020 could burn the party in future races.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) said that the former president’s message is “absolutely unhelpful“ when asked whether Trump’s statements were helpful as his party looks to retake the majority.
“When I talk to voters, I am very blunt with them. I say, ‘Stop being self-defeating. Get out and vote,’” Crenshaw added, after being asked about Trump’s statement. “‘You shouldn’t listen to anyone who tells you not to.’“
Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a member of the Jan. 6 select committee and the second House Republican who voted to impeach Trump to announce his plans to retire so far this year, called continued, baseless voter fraud claims “a really dangerous thing.”
“There’s still a significant amount of the country that believes the election was fraudulent. They truly believe — smart people, too,” Kinzinger said in an interview.