Congressman Jay Obernolte, who represents California’s 8th District, which includes the Morongo Basin, was one of 147 Republicans who voted Wednesday to object to the results of six states’ electoral votes. The proceedings were interrupted by the mob that took over the U.S. Capitol, but when the ceremonial proceedings resumed later that evening, Obernolte voted six times against certifying the election results from the states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Obernolte released a statement condemning the riot. “I fully support the right to peacefully protest, but violence is absolutely unacceptable. Our Capitol is the stronghold of our democracy and should not be torn down. We must respect our police and the rule of law.”
