AUGUSTA — On Saturday afternoon, the Associated Press reported that Democrat Joe Biden has officially defeated President Trump to become the 46th President of the United States. 

The announcement comes on the heels of Biden’s win in the state of Pennsylvania, putting him above the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the election. Only the states of Alaska, Georgia and North Carolina have yet to be officially called.

Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, released a statement in reaction to the news:

“All across the country, hard working Americans are grappling with a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and widespread economic turmoil. And they are desperate for some relief from a government that has their back and a leader who fights for them. It’s why they showed up in droves to make their voice heard whether they voted by mail, early in-person or on election day.

“The official announcement of today’s results also mark a historic milestone, as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris becomes the first woman — and the first woman of color — to be elected Vice President of the United States. Representation in public life matters. With this achievement, young women and people of color all across Maine and throughout the country know that they can aspire to public office and bring us closer to realizing the ideal of equality and justice for all.

“Congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris for earning the trust of the American people to lead us through this crisis. I believe in my heart that this newly elected administration has the plan to deliver real results for Maine workers and heritage industries that have long been the backbone of rural areas of our state. Our country is at a crossroads. It’s time to heal the ugliness of the election and come together as Americans to forge a path forward. I believe that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are up to the challenge.”

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