Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a concession speech at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Wednesday afternoon after she called President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory against her in the 2024 race for the presidency.
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Harris said. “But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
A victory in Wisconsin early Wednesday gave Trump 277 Electoral College votes, pushing him past the 270 needed to secure the White House. The Associated Press called the race for Trump Wednesday morning, making him the 47th president of the United States.
Hours later, the Associated Press called Michigan for Trump as well. The wins in Wisconsin and Michigan followed key Trump victories in Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina — all critical swing states that acted as decisive territories in the presidential race. Trump, as of now, is also leading in the popular vote with 51% of returns.
Trump will become the second president to lose a reelection campaign but return to the White House four years later. The only other president to win a nonconsecutive term was Grover Cleveland in 1892.
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Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech at Howard University on Wednesday, capping an end to her 107-day campaign for president that began when President Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 race.
Here are notable lines from her address:
“We must accept the results of this election,” Harris said, before adding, “Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory.”
In a marked contrast with Trump’s loss in 2020, Harris said, “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny.”
Harris also vowed that she would “never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions and aspirations.” That included the freedom for women “to make decisions about their own body,” she added, and “to protect our schools and our streets from gun violence.”
In a message to her young supporters, Harris said, “To the young people who are watching, it is OK to feel sad and disappointed. But please know it’s going to be OK,” adding, “You have power. You have power.”
Kate Murphy
Today at 5:51 PM GMT-4
Kate Murphy
Photos show an emotional crowd as Harris speaks at Howard University
Vice President Kamala Harris publicly conceded defeat to Donald Trump in a speech at Howard University, her alma mater, late Wednesday afternoon. Photos show Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in the crowd, as well as her supporters comforting each other over the loss.
