WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris, in her first public remarks since conceding the 2024 presidential election to former President Donald Trump, called on her supporters to “accept the results,” but reaffirmed that her commitment to the causes she championed during the campaign would not waver.
Speaking at Howard University, her alma mater, on Wednesday afternoon, Harris acknowledged the painful outcome but stressed that the fight for a more just and equitable America is far from over. “My heart is full today,” she began, before offering a heartfelt message of unity and perseverance. “The outcome of this election is not what we hoped, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. 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.”
The Vice President’s remarks followed her private conversation earlier in the day with President-elect Trump, where she congratulated him on his victory and pledged to support the peaceful transition of power. “I also told him we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris shared with the crowd. The call to ensure a smooth transition marked a stark contrast to Trump’s repeated baseless claims of a “rigged” election in 2020.
Harris’ words, however, carried a clear undertone of defiance against the forces she believes continue to undermine democracy. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she said, emphasizing that her struggle for justice, equality, and opportunity remains steadfast.
The Vice President’s remarks also carried a subtle critique of Trump, who has spent years challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 election results. As she stood at the podium to address the crowd, Beyoncé’s “Freedom”—which had become her unofficial campaign anthem—played in the background, symbolizing the resolve and resilience Harris has shown throughout her political career.
Harris’ address came after a long and difficult night, marked by growing concerns as election results began to tilt in Trump’s favor. Her campaign watch party at Howard University, initially filled with optimism, had turned somber as the night wore on and the outcome became more apparent.
Trump’s victory was definitive, as he clinched both the popular and electoral votes in a decisive win. The result also marked a Republican resurgence in Congress, with Republicans reclaiming the Senate. The House of Representatives, however, remained too close to call as of Wednesday afternoon.
Though her campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, Harris’ speech reinforced the values that defined her candidacy—equality, justice, and a belief in the collective strength of the American people. “This fight is bigger than any one election, and it will not stop because of one defeat,” she said. “We will continue to push forward, we will continue to strive for progress, and we will never lose sight of the promise of a more perfect union.”
The Vice President’s comments were received with mixed reactions, with many supporters expressing their gratitude for her leadership and commitment to moving the nation forward, even in the face of defeat. As she left the stage, the crowd stood in quiet respect, and the powerful strains of “Freedom” echoed throughout the room, leaving no doubt that Harris intends to remain a voice for change in the years to come.
With the election now over, Harris’ focus will likely turn to her continued advocacy for the issues that energized her campaign, even as the country begins the process of transitioning to a new administration. Her call to “never give up” on the American promise reflects a deep belief that the fight for a more just and equitable future is far from over.