The article posits that if Democrats win control of the House in the November 2024 elections, there is a concern that former President Trump and his supporters (MAGA) may attempt to subvert the democratic process to retain Republican power. The author outlines a potential playbook, which includes demonizing Democrats as “Communists,” delegitimizing eligible voters through intimidation and disparagement of mail-in ballots, and exploiting a constitutional loophole that allows each house of Congress to judge the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members—a decision not subject to judicial review. This could enable presumptive Speaker-in-waiting Mike Johnson to deny Democratic members-elect their seats, potentially leading to constitutional chaos if Republicans refuse to seat elected Democrats on the pretext of contested elections.
The piece highlights that there have historically been numerous election contests in the House, with decisions made by a simple majority vote, allowing a narrowly won House majority to be challenged and potentially thwarted by defeated Republican candidates. The author draws a parallel to the 2020 election, suggesting that similar tactics—such as claims of corruption based on states’ refusal to turn over voter rolls or the impact of the SAVE Act on illegal immigration—could be employed. The article underscores the significant risk of a constitutional crisis if elected members are denied their seats, emphasizing that the resolution ultimately rests with the House and Senate, not the American people. The author concludes that only an overwhelming electoral landslide could prevent such an outcome, though no such prospect currently exists, leaving open the possibility of a repeat of the 2020 scenario with its attendant risks.
Source: Yahoo News - Opinion: A MAGA plot to keep power in Congress if they lose the election?