IL Reacts To Projected Biden Win: Celebrations, Demonstrations

CHICAGO, IL — Demonstrators took to the streets of Chicago, gathering in Grant Park and in front of Trump Tower Saturday morning to celebrate after former Vice President Joe Biden was projected the winner over President Donald Trump in the presidential race.

Biden's projected win in Pennsylvania put him at 273 electoral votes — more than the 270 needed to become president-elect. The historic win will make running mate Sen. Kamala Harris not only the first woman to become vice president, but also the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Harris also becomes the highest-ranking woman ever elected in American government.

Joe Biden Projected Winner Over Donald Trump In Presidential Race

The news brought crowds of revelers to the streets of Chicago, where some celebrated outside Trump Tower and others gathered in Grant Park, according to WGN.

Despite the revelry in some places, Trump and many of his supporters have declared that the election is not over, with Trump vowing to take legal action against what he claims — with no evidence thus far — are fraudulent votes.

U.S. Reacts After Biden Projected Winner Of Presidential Election

Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel said it's premature to name Biden the winner.

Meanwhile, Biden urged unity and vowed to represent all Americans.

"America, I'm honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country," Biden tweeted. "The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not. I will keep the faith that you have placed in me."

See It: Cheers Spread Across NYC Over Projected Biden Win

Illinois officials also reacted to Biden's projected win. Gov. J.B. Pritzker — who is isolated due to COVID-19 exposure — congratulated Biden and Harris.

Newly re-elected Sen. Dick Durbin also celebrated Biden's victory and said of Harris, "Her historic election shows girls, women and people of color across this country that your future is limitless."

Durbin also took a shot at Trump, calling his presidency a "national nightmare."

Democratic Congresswoman-elect Marie Newman called Biden's victory "a win for every single American."

"In Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, we have an administration that will bring us together and help our country heal," she said in a statement.

Another Illinois Democrat, Congressman Bill Foster (D-11) also reacted in a statement, saying, "After four long years of divisive and dishonest leadership, the American people have rendered ultimate judgment with their legally cast votes ... This isn't a political victory, it's a victory for American democracy and the rule of law."