Former President George Bush offered his first statement on the 2024 presidential campaign, congratulating former president Donald Trump on his victory, CNN reports.

“I congratulate president Trump on his election as 47th President of the United States of America, as well as Vice President-elect JD Vance and their families,” Bush said.

He thanked President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their service, and highlighted the election’s turnout as “a sign of the health of our republic and the strength of our democratic institutions.”

“Laura and I are grateful to the election officials, poll workers, and volunteers who oversaw a free and fair election. We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government,” he said.