Kamala Harris Concedes U.S. Presidential Election, Vows to Continue the Fight

In a heartfelt and emotional address at Howard University on November 6, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged her loss in the U.S. Presidential election to Republican nominee Donald Trump, but urged her supporters to continue the fight for the values she championed throughout her campaign.

Hours after her defeat, Harris took the stage at her alma mater in Washington, D.C., speaking to a crowd filled with supporters, some of whom were visibly upset. With her voice shaking at times, Harris addressed the reality of the election results, saying, “We must accept the results of this election.” However, she emphasized that while she conceded the race, she did not concede the fight for a more just and inclusive America.

“My heart is full today… full of love for our country and full of resolve,” said Harris, who in a stark departure from her usual campaign speeches, displayed a tone of resilience and determination. “I spoke with President-Elect Trump and congratulated 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,” she added.

In a nod to the peaceful transition of power—a fundamental principle of American democracy—Harris made a pointed reference to Trump’s refusal to concede in the 2020 election, which led to legal challenges and the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she said, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional values.

Harris also addressed the concept of loyalty in American politics. “In our nation, we owe loyalty not to a President or a party but to the Constitution of the United States. And loyalty to our conscience and to our God,” she remarked, a clear reference to the loyalty Trump often demanded from his administration officials during his first term.

Despite her electoral loss, Harris made it clear that her commitment to the ideals of her campaign would not waver. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she declared, urging those in attendance to remain engaged and organized.

“Your voices matter, your participation matters, and your future matters,” Harris told young people in the audience, some of whom were moved to tears. “You have power. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

The Vice President called for continued activism in all forms—whether in courtrooms, public discourse, or in the quieter acts of kindness and solidarity. She said the “fight” would continue through uplifting others, building bridges with strangers, and embracing unity despite differences.

Kamala Harris’s speech marked not just the concession of the 2024 presidential election but also a call to action for those who believe in the vision of a united and equitable America. As the country braces for the next phase under President-Elect Trump, Harris's words served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance and hope.