For many Mass. Democrats, this Jan. 6 was both routine and bitter

Massachusetts lawmakers described the mood on Capitol Hill as somber, boring, dutiful — and nothing like Jan. 6, 2021.

"The contrast is pretty remarkable," U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan said of the election certification process that took place four years ago, compared with the one that transpired Monday. "I think Democrats have proven that we respect election results, right? I mean, I'm a former athlete and losing sucks. But today we did our job."

Vice President Kamala Harris certified the election of her opponent, Donald Trump, as president. Democrats presided over the routine transfer of power, even as they stood poised to be the minority party, and as Trump and some of his supporters continue to describe those who violently attacked the Capitol four years ago as "patriots."

Many Democratic voters said they couldn't bear to watch the proceedings.

Nyla Boler, a Boston College senior who's a member of Harris's sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, said, "I just don't want to bear witness to it because I'm kind of scared about what's going to happen after.”

Tufts University junior Rhoda Edwards said she applauded Harris for accepting defeat with "grace." But on Monday during the certification, she went to the mall.

"It's kind of therapeutic for me,” Edwards said. "Seeing the same Black woman that fought tooth and nail for this election have to certify the results of her opponent, especially given who he is, it's almost demeaning."

The Massachusetts GOP did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the certification.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who last fulfilled the certification role amid the chaos in 2021, commended Harris on social media and noted "the return of order and civility."

President-Elect Trump, in a social media post, called it "A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY."

U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch said his colleagues were particularly "mindful" during Monday's election certification. While the process has historically been "boring and routine," he said, there was heightened security this year.

" I think it reminded us how fragile this whole process can be and and also reminded us of the seriousness of the job that we were doing," Lynch said. He added that he's worried Trump will pardon the Jan. 6 rioters facing charges for attacking Capitol police officers.

Massachusetts Congresswoman and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark in a social media post Monday said members of her party would vote to certify the results of the 2024 election, "because we are democracy believers, not election deniers."

She added, "We will always honor the will of the people, not bow to the dictates of one man."

With reporting from WBUR's Tiziana Dearing and Amy Sokolow