DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after the Electoral College officially confirmed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s historic victory:

“The election is over, the votes have been counted, and the American people have spoken: Joe Biden will be the 46th president of the United States. This is not an opinion. It is not a partisan statement. It is a fact. That’s why the Electoral College just certified this decision, and why Donald Trump needs to accept it.

“An incredible coalition of Americans endorsed Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and their message. This is the first ticket in history to earn over 80 million votes. Voters of different backgrounds and life experiences came together around our shared values of inclusion and opportunity for all. Using their voice and their vote, they chose to put our nation on a new path, one defined by hope,  integrity, and dignity. Joe and Kamala embody that vision of America, and their leadership will move our nation forward.

“In the United States, the side with the most electoral votes wins, and our country begins a road towards unification. That’s how a healthy, functioning democracy is supposed to work. That’s what the American people want and expect from their leaders. It’s time for our nation to come together around our newly elected president and vice president so that we can move forward and heal our wounds. It’s time to show the world that American democracy is still strong, vibrant, and fair.”