John,

The shockwaves that shook the halls of Congress and threatened the democratic transfer of power on January 6, 2021 came not only from outside the Capitol, but also from within.

At the end of the day, after armed rioters had routed the joint session and sent lawmakers into hiding at risk of their lives, Congress returned to complete the day’s business: to certify the electoral vote, based on a free and fair election that had already been upheld in dozens of court challenges across the country.

But even after the tragic and violent events of the day, when it had become abundantly clear that Trump would stop at nothing to hold onto power, still 147 Republican House members voted to overturn the results of the election and install Donald Trump as President.

Now, as House Republicans attempt to elect a new Speaker of the House, having ousted Kevin McCarthy, we must hold them accountable. We cannot accept as a legitimate Speaker anyone who voted to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Some of these lawmakers knew what was going to happen that day before it did. Rep. Barry Loudermilk gave a tour of tunnels underneath the Capitol to MAGA visitors who attacked the Capitol the next day. Rep. Jim Jordan was in direct telephone contact with the President as the events unfolded. Rep. Josh Hawley gave the rioters a raised fist of encouragement and support, only to be caught on camera a few hours later fleeing for his life.

Whatever their degree of complicity, every one of these 147 Representatives is an insurrectionist. Every one of them voted to throw out tens of millions of votes in order to install an authoritarian President. Not one is fit to be Speaker of the House.

And the threats to democracy continue, as the same lawmakers support racist voter suppression laws and spread disinformation and lies throughout the country.

Our democracy is at a moment of crisis. To survive as a democracy, we cannot afford to have an insurrectionist as Speaker when the 2024 vote is counted.

Add your name to the petition, and demand that the House reject any members of the “Sedition Caucus” for Speaker of the House.

Thank you for standing up for democracy, and the peaceful transition of power.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund