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Jimmy Williams
Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded the election to President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, addressing a supportive crowd from Howard University in Washington, D.C., her alma mater. In a speech rich with gratitude, resilience, and unity, Harris rallied her supporters to continue the work they began, acknowledging the outcome with a message of hope.
“Let me say my heart is full today, full of gratitude, love for our country, and resolve,” Harris said. “The outcome of this election was not what we wanted or voted for, but the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and keep fighting.”
Harris’s address came hours after she spoke with Trump to congratulate him on his win. During their call, the two discussed the importance of a peaceful transition. Trump’s spokesman Steven Cheung said that Trump “acknowledged Vice President Harris’s strength, professionalism, and tenacity” and that both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the nation.
The vice president’s speech also carried a note of determination, reiterating her commitment to key issues of democracy and justice. “Sometimes the fight takes a while,” she told the crowd, calling on her supporters to continue organizing, mobilizing, and staying engaged. She specifically encouraged young people, “Do not despair. This is a time to roll up our sleeves and build the future we all know we can create together.”
Harris thanked her family, her campaign team, and President Joe Biden, who watched the concession from the White House. She also acknowledged Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her running mate. “I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it,” she said, reflecting on the campaign’s dedication to inclusivity and unity across the nation.
During a phone call earlier in the day, President Biden congratulated Harris on her historic run, describing her campaign as a source of pride for the nation. Biden also spoke with Trump to congratulate him on his win and emphasize his commitment to a smooth transition to Trump. “I am committed to working with President-elect Trump to bring the country together,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.
Harris’s journey to the top of the Democratic ticket marked a historic milestone as the first woman of color to lead a major party’s campaign for the White House. Her campaign embodied themes of diversity, justice, and resilience—principles Harris pledged to carry forward even in the face of defeat.
