Members of the electoral college formally cast votes for president Dec. 14, which are formally counted by the House of Representatives Jan. 6.
Biden would be the second baptized Catholic to be elected president of the United States. The first was President John F. Kennedy, who was elected in 1960 and assassinated in 1963.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Biden’s running mate, would be the first female vice president, the first vice president who is Black, and the first of South Asian descent. Harris’ father moved to the United States from Jamaica; her mother immigrated from India.
Since election night, Trump has alleged widespread fraud in the election and claimed himself to be the winner of all “legal votes.” On Saturday, he said calling the race was premature.
“We all know why Joe Biden is rushing to falsely pose as the winner, and why his media allies are trying so hard to help him: they don’t want the truth to be exposed,” Trump said in a statement Saturday morning.
“The simple fact is this election is far from over. Joe Biden has not been certified as the winner of any states, let alone any of the highly contested states headed for mandatory recounts, or states where our campaign has valid and legitimate legal challenges that could determine the ultimate victor,” Trump added.
For his part, Biden said that “In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted. Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America.”
“With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation. It’s time for America to unite. And to heal. We are the United States of America. And there’s nothing we can’t do, if we do it together,” he added.
Republicans have won several unexpected races in the House of Representatives, the House will remain under Democratic control, but with a smaller majority than it previously held.
Control of the Senate is expected to come down to January runoff elections for both Georgia seats. While Republicans are expected to hold 50 seats in the Senate, they will lose Senate control if both Georgia seats are picked up by Democrats in January, because Harris, as vice president, would become a tie-breaking vote.