Will Republicans ever stop crying voter fraud?
If you want to get a sense of former President Donald Trump's continued influence in the Republican Party, just look to the gubernatorial recall election in California. Such elections are always dicey for an incumbent — just ask Gray Davis — but recent indications are that Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) stands a pretty good shot of keeping his office.
Here's the Trumpist part: Republicans are starting to suggest (without evidence, of course) that a Newsom win couldn't possibly be legitimate.
"The only thing that will save Gavin Newsom is voter fraud, so as they say: Stay woke," Fox News host Tomi Lahren said on Tuesday. "Pay attention to the voter fraud going on in California because it's going to have big consequences not only for that state but for upcoming elections." Meanwhile, the state GOP has created an "election integrity" website where voters can report their suspicions.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Such efforts aren't contained to California. Over in Nevada, AP reports that GOP Senate hopeful Adam Laxalt — the son and grandson of former U.S. senators — is already "raising fears of voter fraud" in his challenge to Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto in next year's midterm elections.
The plan is to "file lawsuits early, if there are lawsuits we can file to try to tighten up the election," Laxalt told a conservative radio host last month. He has some experience in such matters — he chaired Trump's 2020 Nevada campaign, which filed lawsuits contesting Biden's win in the state.
Republican-controlled state legislatures have spent the months since 2020 tightening voting laws in an apparent effort to cut down on Democratic advantages at the voting booth. That, of course, is the continuation of a years-long effort. What is increasingly clear, though, is that GOP candidates are also prepared to adopt Trump's backup plan — to generate confusion and doubt among voters whenever Democrats do win close races. The message: Republican candidates can never, ever lose a fair election.
That message would be wrong. But it would do additional damage to American democracy, which depends on voters' belief that elections are fair and legitimate. For now, though, it seems the Republican Party has decided its best electoral bet is to double down on its "boy who cried wolf" strategy.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
-
Women are getting their own baseball league again
In the Spotlight The league is on track to debut in 2026
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Giant TVs are becoming the next big retail commodity
Under the Radar Some manufacturers are introducing TVs over 8 feet long
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
When will mortgage rates finally start coming down?
The Explainer Much to potential homebuyers' chagrin, mortgage rates are still elevated
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Gaetz ethics report in limbo as sex allegations emerge
Speed Read A lawyer representing two women alleges that Matt Gaetz paid them for sex, and one witnessed him having sex with minor
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Pentagon faces an uncertain future with Trump
Talking Point The president-elect has nominated conservative commentator Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Should Sonia Sotomayor retire from the Supreme Court?
Talking Points Democrats worry about repeating the history of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Trump tests GOP loyalty with Gaetz, Gabbard picks
Speed Read He named Matt Gaetz as his pick for attorney general and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. Both have little experience in their proposed jurisdictions.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump fills key slots, tapping Congress, MAGA loyalists
Speed Read The president-elect continues to fill his administration with new foreign policy, environment and immigration roles assigned
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump tells next Senate GOP leader to skip confirmations
Speed Read The president-elect said the next Senate majority leader must allow him to make recess appointments
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The GOP is renewing its focus on the abortion pill
In the Spotlight Three Republican-led states are taking another crack at suing the FDA over the abortion pill, mifepristone
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published