KENTUCKY — Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in at noon Wednesday, officially accepting their roles as the 46th President and 49th Vice President of the United States. Lawmakers and officials from both sides of the aisle in Kentucky have offered their congratulations and well wishes to the new administration.
Gov. Andy Beshear (D) congratulated Biden and Harris in a tweet, writing that he looks forward to working with the administration for the good of Kentucky.
"I look forward to working with your administration to better the lives for our people and to help us overcome the challenges of COVID-19," Beshear wrote. "Together we can make a better country – a better Kentucky – for all."
Congratulations President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris. I look forward to working with your administration to better the lives for our people and to help us overcome the challenges of COVID-19. Together we can make a better country – a better Kentucky – for all.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) January 20, 2021
Kentucky's Attorney General Daniel Cameron also congratulated the Biden-Harris administration via Twitter, thanking the Trump-Pence administration for the past four years.
Today, as prescribed by our Constitution, the incoming President and Vice President will take the oath of office. Congratulations to the Biden-Harris Administration, and thank you to the Trump-Pence Administration for your work these last four years. pic.twitter.com/OOAzDibyAy
— Attorney General Daniel Cameron (@kyoag) January 20, 2021
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman offered an emphatic congratulations to the new President and Vice President on Twitter, emphasizing the historic nature of Harris' position.
"As a woman, today is even more special as we celebrate another glass ceiling being shattered," Coleman wrote.
2/2 Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. We are all pulling for you! ^JC
— Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman (@LtGovColeman) January 20, 2021
Senator Mitch McConnell (R) congratulated Biden and Harris on the floor of the U.S. Senate shortly after three new Democratic senators were sworn in, making McConnell the Minority Leader and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) the new Majority Leader.
McConnell offered well-wished to the new administration, praising the successful peaceful transition of power.
"President Biden and Vice President Harris are both alumni of the U.S. Senate. They are well known to us in this chamber," McConnell said. "They begin their terms with both challenges and opportunities before them, and with the prayers of our whole nation at their backs. President Biden made unity the major theme of his inaugural address. I congratulate my friend from Delaware and look forward to working with our new President wherever possible."
Rep. Andy Barr (R-Lexington) attended the inauguration in Washington, D.C., congratulating the new President and Vice President on Twitter shortly after the ceremony.
Congratulations to President Biden and Vice President Harris. Thank you to President Trump and Vice President Pence for their service. I attended today’s inauguration with my guest, Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe and also caught up with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. pic.twitter.com/oJGBYA3ceb
— Rep. Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) January 20, 2021
Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) congratulated Biden and Harris in a press release and statement on Twitter. Yarmuth wrote that the administration marks "a new beginning for our nation."
"With President Biden and Vice President Harris leading the way, we will change the course of the crises we face, earn back the respect of the world, and begin our recovery in earnest," Yarmuth wrote. "I am honored to share in this historic day with my colleagues and the American people, and I will ensure that the House Budget Committee does everything it can to support the vital work of the Biden-Harris Administration."
Just witnessed the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Filled with respect, pride, hope, and relief. The feeling that better days are ahead is inspiring, and the reminder that the truth still matters is reaffirming.
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) January 20, 2021
Today, our democracy endures. pic.twitter.com/7MJJdSfCzO
Alison Lundergan Grimes (D), Kentucky's former Secretary of State, shared an old photo on Twitter, shortly after Biden's swearing in of herself and the now-President.
"The 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden! Oh, Happy Day!" Grimes wrote.
The 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden! Oh, Happy Day! pic.twitter.com/lAajJLa0ZH
— Alison Lundergan Grimes (@AlisonForKY) January 20, 2021
Ryan Quarles, Kentucky's Republican agriculture commissioner, offered a congratulations to Biden while calling for strengthened unity in Kentucky and across the nation.
Congratulations to President Joe Biden. It is time for our country to come together to identify areas of common ground with the new administration. I will do that in my role as Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture and as @NASDAnews president.
— Commissioner Ryan Quarles (@KYAgCommish) January 20, 2021
This story will be updated. Check back later for updates.