Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded the presidential election on Wednesday, nearly 12 hours after multiple outlets declared former President Donald Trump the winner. Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Washington, D.C., Harris confirmed that she had spoken with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, which saw him capturing 301 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, with Arizona still leaning in Trump’s favor.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuels this campaign,” Harris declared in her speech. She acknowledged the outcome but expressed pride in her team and their efforts. “I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it,” she said. “Over the 107 days of this campaign, we worked tirelessly to build community and forge coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by a love for our country.”
Acknowledging the emotions of her supporters, Harris urged them to accept the election results while staying committed to their shared values. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted or fought for, but let me say this: the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting,” she stated.
Harris revealed that earlier on Wednesday, she had spoken with Trump, congratulating him on his win and pledging a peaceful transfer of power. “I told him that we would help him and his team with their transition,” she explained. “We are committed to a smooth, respectful transition in the spirit of our democratic principles.”
Despite the loss, Harris vowed to continue advocating for key issues she championed during her campaign. “I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations,” she said, reaffirming her support for women’s rights, gun safety, and the protection of democratic values. “We will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected.”
Harris concluded by assuring her supporters that the Democratic Party would remain active, saying, “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square.” Her concession speech underscored her determination to uphold her campaign’s vision and to continue advocating for the causes she believes in, even as the nation prepares for a new administration under President-elect Trump.
?BREAKING: Kamala Harris officially concedes
“We must accept the results of the election. I congratulated Trump. I said we will help him with the transition, and that we will engage in a peaceful transition of power.”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 6, 2024