President-elect Donald Trump attends his inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Photo by Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)
For Washington’s heavily Democratic congressional delegation, Monday was a complicated day.
On one hand, they applauded the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Joe Biden to Donald Trump. On the other, Trump’s inauguration is sure to bring a new chapter of tensions and clashes between the Republican president and most of the state’s federal lawmakers.
Washington’s senior senator, Patty Murray, passed on attending the Inauguration Day ceremonies, citing the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters and the president’s promised pardons of those arrested for their involvement that day. She was not the only Washington lawmaker to skip the event.
The state’s only two Republican members of Congress — Reps. Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner — did attend. They were upbeat as their party will control both chambers of Congress and the White House for the first time since the early part of Trump’s first term.
Below is some of what members of the delegation had to say about Trump’s swearing-in.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray
Did not attend
“I strongly believe in a peaceful transfer of power and that will occur today — voters have spoken. However, I vividly remember the desecration of the Capitol Rotunda four years ago during the insurrection incited by President Trump. I personally can’t sit there in that same room and watch Trump knowing full well he intends to pardon the people who attacked our democracy, desecrated that very room, assaulted police officers, and tried to plunge this country into chaos. I’ll be watching on TV like millions of others to hear how President Trump now intends to execute the powers of his presidency.”
Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell
Did attend
“I attended the inauguration to witness the peaceful transfer of power. While I didn’t agree with many of the statements [President Trump] made in his inaugural address, I stand ready to work with him on policies that will promote the interests of the state of Washington, and challenge him when the policies don’t.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse
Did attend
“Today marks a significant day in our country with the inauguration of President Trump, the final piece of our Republican trifecta. After attending the inauguration today, I am looking forward to the opportunities this administration will bring for central Washington, and our country.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen
Did not attend
“Everyone has been asking me this weekend ‘Shouldn’t you be in D.C. for the inauguration?’ and I tell them HELL NO I shouldn’t be in D.C. I need to be right here for MLK Day,” Larsen said at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally held by the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee in Everett.
Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner
Did attend
“I’m excited to join both Republican and Democrat members of the House and Senate in the Capitol Rotunda to witness the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to witness this momentous event in our nation’s history.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Did not attend
“I won’t be in Washington, D.C. today for Donald Trump’s inauguration. Instead, I am proud to spend today right here at home, with my constituents, serving food to the hungry — honoring the work, life, legacy, and lessons of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
Did attend
“Today, I attended the Inauguration of President Donald Trump on behalf of Washington’s 3rd District, and I witnessed the peaceful transfer of power that is core to our democracy. I’m willing and eager to work with anyone on the issues that matter most to you, such as fighting the fentanyl hollowing out our rural communities, rebuilding jobs in our woods, and lowering the cost of high-quality childcare, housing, and goods. As your independent voice in Congress, I remain committed to fighting for our shared values and against clickbait political agendas cooked up in D.C.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland
“The beauty of our democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. The new administration will inherit a strong economy, record-low unemployment, and over 16 million new jobs. [House Democrats] will always fight to deliver for the American people, no matter who’s in charge.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Emily Randall
Did not attend
“For anyone feeling uneasy or afraid as we face the uncertain days ahead, I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you. No matter the obstacles, we will stay resolute and unwavering in our commitment to the communities who need us most. We will still find joy. We will still protect our peace. And we will press forward, stronger and more determined than ever.”