By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

PHOTO: Patrick Semansky / Pool via Getty Images

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Statewide officials and members of Alabama’s congressional delegation took to social media last week to react to the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States.

Biden (D-Del.) was sworn in as president last Wednesday, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), who became the first woman, first Black, and first South Asian vice president in American history.

“I, of course, did not support Joe Biden, but he is now the President of the United States...I echo President Trump in that I will be praying for him and his family in these coming years,” said U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), who represents DeKalb County in Alabama’s fourth congressional district. “I will look for ways to work with his administration but I will also work to make sure that conservative ideals and principles are not swept aside.” 

Aderholt, along with all five other Republicans representing the State of Alabama in Congress, was among the group of congress members who objected to certifying Biden’s electoral college victory on January 6, a movement that was led by Huntsville-area congressman, Mo Brooks.

Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) stated on Inauguration Day, “Congratulations to our 46th @POTUS, Joe Biden, and @VP, Kamala Harris. I wish them all the best as they lead our country over the next four years. Thank you to the @USNationalGuard and other law enforcement for securing and protecting our Capitol for this important ceremony.” 

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), the lone Democrat in Alabama’s congressional delegation, stated just before the inauguration, “The monumental task before President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to unify our nation in this great time of reckoning and divide will not be easy to overcome. But I look forward to working with each to stand up for the people of Alabama’s 7th District.”

Statewide officials like Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.), Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-Ala.), and Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill (R-Ala.) also made statements in a show of unity with the new commander-in-chief. 

“Regardless of one’s political beliefs, we can all applaud what the world witnessed yesterday, which was our country’s peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next,” said Ivey on January 21. “This is what sets us apart from other countries around the world.”

Ainsworth followed with a statement congratulating Biden but reaffirming his commitment to defending conservative principles.

“I wish Joe Biden the best and pray that he will lead wisely while always putting America’s interests first,” Ainsworth said. “Now that Democrats control the White House and both chambers of Congress, elected leaders and legislatures in conservative states like Alabama must stand ready to protect our citizens’ religious freedoms, gun rights, and other God-given liberties whenever necessary.”

President Biden's full inaugural address can be found at whitehouse.gov.