“I spoke with President-elect Trump earlier today and congratulated him on his victory,” Harris said at the vice president’s alma mater. howard universitylocated in Washington, DC
It was Harris’ first on-camera address to the nation since Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning.
“We will continue this fight in the voting booths, in the courtrooms, and in the public squares,” she said.
Harris was joined by her husband, Second Class Doug Emhoff, her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and other family members and campaign staff. Many in the audience were in tears during the vice president’s speech.
“We know people are feeling and experiencing a wide range of emotions right now,” Harris said. “I’m very proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it.”
Harris urged her supporters to remain hopeful for the next administration.
“I will concede this election, but I will not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said. “The fight for freedom, opportunity, equity, and dignity for all people.”
“Now is not the time to throw up our hands,” she added. “Now is the time to roll up your sleeves.”
During her 107 days on the campaign trail, Harris broke fundraising records and regularly held rallies attended by tens of thousands of people. She has also worked with numerous celebrities, from music superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to staunch conservatives like former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney. gathered a large number of supporters.
“We have been intentional about community building and coalition building, bringing together people from all walks of life and backgrounds, united by love for our country,” Harris said.
U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at Howard University on November 6, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
Harris was originally scheduled to speak at an election watch party at Howard University on Tuesday night, but her campaign ignored the audience as vote counting slowly progressed and Trump appeared to have the upper hand.
Wednesday’s speech capped a series of events unprecedented in American political history. It all started in early July when President Trump survived an assassination attempt. A week later, after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, Harris naturally rose to the top of the Democratic presidential field.
