In a concession speech at Howard University in Washington, D.C., U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris acknowledged her loss to Republican Donald Trump, promising a peaceful transfer of power.
“I accept the results of this election, but I don’t concede the fight that inspired this campaign,” Harris told her supporters, pledging to continue advocating for women’s rights, gun control, and dignity for all. “We must honor the outcome—this is what defines a democracy, not a monarchy or tyranny.” She shared that she spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him and assured him of a smooth transition process.
Addressing the disappointment of her supporters, Harris encouraged resilience and commitment to the ideals they fought for. “This outcome is not what we wanted or voted for, but the light of America’s promise will always shine if we keep fighting,” she stated, particularly urging young people not to give up.
In one of the most remarkable comebacks in U.S. electoral history, Trump won a second term, securing 295 electoral votes to Harris’s 226. With vote counting in Nevada and Arizona ongoing, Trump had already celebrated his victory with supporters in Florida. “Today, you turned out in record numbers to deliver this victory,” Trump said. “We’ve been through so much together, and now it’s time to pay you back.”