In a defiant concession speech at her alma mater, Howard University, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday accepted her electoral defeat to Donald Trump, pledging a peaceful transfer of power while urging her supporters to “keep fighting” for their ideals.
“We must accept the results of this election,” Harris declared, revealing she had spoken with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory. “I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition, and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”
While Harris did not directly address Trump’s previous refusal to concede the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, she emphasized that respecting election outcomes is essential to democracy. “Honoring the will of the people is what distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny,” she stated. “Anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”
She continued by reaffirming her commitment to the U.S. Constitution, saying, “Our loyalty belongs not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution of the United States — to our conscience and to our God.”
Addressing a supportive crowd, Harris acknowledged the disappointment of her campaign’s outcome but urged her supporters to persist. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” she said. “But hear me when I say that the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”
Reflecting on her campaign’s warnings about Trump’s impact on democracy, Harris acknowledged the apprehension felt by many Americans. “I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time. But for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case,” she said.
Concluding on an optimistic note, she called on Americans to find strength in unity and hope. “If it is indeed a dark time, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant billion stars — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth, and of service,” Harris added, receiving a final round of applause.
