The Wisconsin Capitol remained quiet Wednesday while the U.S. Capitol served as the backdrop of President Joe Biden’s inauguration.

A small group of protesters were down at the state Capitol on Inauguration Day, calling for an audit of the state’s mail-in ballots Jan. 20, 2021.

There was still a police presence in Madison over fears of politically-motivated violence in the wake of the U.S. Capitol riot earlier this month.

The state Capitol drew a smattering of protesters who remained peaceful. Among those who did protest was an Evansville resident who pushed for an audit of the state’s mail-in ballots, but acknowledged that Biden did win the election.

In Washington, Wisconsin’s Democrats heralded an incoming Biden presidency as the turning of a page from the Republican tenure of former President Donald Trump.

“Today, America begins a new path forward,” U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, said. “We have a lot of work to do, and I know Joe and Kamala are ready to do it.”

Wednesday’s inauguration also marked the first time a woman, a Black person and an Indian-American person would hold the office of vice president.

“My heart is swelling with pride,” said U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee. “Little girls watching today’s inauguration will see all that is possible.”

The new president also received support from U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, who said of the new administration, “despite our political disagreements, I stand ready to work with them on the enormous challenges facing our country.”

With the new presidency comes a new administration with roots in Wisconsin. Wisconsin health secretary Andrea Palm announced this week she is taking a position as deputy secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is in addition to Linda Thomas Greenfield, a UW-Madison alum, who is Biden’s pick for United Nations ambassador.