Vice President Harris delivers a concession speech on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

hide caption

change caption

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Vice President Harris formally conceded the 2024 election on Wednesday, urging her supporters not to despair over her loss to President-elect Donald Trump and to “never give up the fight for our democracy.”

“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 as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

Harris spoke from the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., her alma mater and the site of what supporters had hoped would be her victory celebration less than 24 hours earlier. Harris has often credited the historically black university with shaping her personal and professional identity.

Harris emphasized the importance of accepting the election results, calling it “a fundamental principle of American democracy,” along with loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, conscience and God.

“My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say: While I concede this election, I will not concede to the fight this campaign has fueled,” Harris said. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and for the dignity of all people, a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best – that is a fight I will never give up. “

Harris spoke of a future where women have bodily autonomy, streets and schools are safe from gun violence and “each of us, no matter who we are or where we start, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld. “

She said the fight will be waged at the voting booth, in the courts and in the public square, but also in quieter ways, such as treating strangers with respect and lifting people up. And she acknowledged that “sometimes the fight takes a while – that doesn’t mean we won’t win.”

Addressing young people specifically, Harris said it is important to never stop trying to make the world a better place.

“You have power, and never listen when someone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before,” Harris said. “This is not a time to roll up our sleeves – this is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

Vice President Harris leaves the stage with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff after conceding the presidential election.

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

hide caption

change caption

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

She urged people to mobilize, organize and stay involved even in difficult moments, citing what she called an old saying: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”

“I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the good of all of us, I hope that is not the case,” Harris added. But the point is America: if so, let’s fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion stars, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service. And may that work even guide us. despite setbacks, toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America.”

The Associated Press called the race for Trump early Wednesday morning after he won the key swing states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. As of Wednesday evening, he had won 295 electoral votes — well above the 270 needed for the presidency — compared to Harris’ 226.

Harris and Biden called Trump to congratulate him

Earlier Wednesday, Harris called Trump to concede the race.

Harris said in her speech that she pledged to help Trump’s team in their transition and participate in a peaceful transition of power, a line that drew loud applause from the crowd.

An aide to Harris previously said she spoke about the importance of a peaceful transition of power during her conversation with Trump and the presidency for all Americans.

The Trump campaign said in a statement that President-elect Harris recognized “strength, professionalism and tenacity throughout the campaign” and that the two agreed on “the importance of unifying the country.”

President Biden also spoke with Trump on Wednesday, the White House said, reaffirming his commitment to a smooth transition and inviting Trump to a meeting at the White House in the near future. Biden plans to discuss the election results and the transition in remarks to the nation on Thursday, the White House added.