Election 2024: Trump wins second term as president: NPR

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

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

“The result 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 place where supporters had hoped she would celebrate her victory less than 24 hours earlier. Harris has often credited the historically black college with shaping her personal and professional identity.

Harris stressed 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 that while I concede this election, I do not admit the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for justice and for the dignity of all people, a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at its best – that is a fight I will never give up. “”

“Sometimes the fight takes a while”

Harris spoke of a future in which 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 basic rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld.”

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

Harris specifically addressed young people and said it is important to never stop making the world better.

“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 the time to throw up your hands – this is the time to roll up your sleeves.”

Vice President Harris leaves the stage with his second Mr. Doug Emhoff after conceding the presidential election.

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

“I know many people feel that we are entering a dark time, but for the sake of everyone, I hope that is not the case,” Harris added. “But here’s the thing, America: If so, let us fill the sky with the light of a bright, shining billion stars, the light of optimism, faith, truth and service. And may this work guide us even in the face of setbacks to the extraordinary promise of the United States of America.”

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

In a statement released after Harris' speech, President Biden said that naming him his vice president was “the best decision I have made.” Biden announced in July that he would not run for re-election and endorsed Harris, leaving her just over three months to run her presidential campaign. His statement doubled down on that decision.

“What America saw today was the Kamala Harris that I know and deeply admire,” he said. “She stepped to the forefront under extraordinary circumstances and led a historic campaign that embodied what is possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is freer, fairer and full of more opportunity for all is American.”

Harris and Biden called Trump to congratulate him

Earlier Wednesday, Harris called on Trump to abandon the race.

Harris said in her speech that she had pledged to help Trump's team with his transition and work toward a peaceful transition of power, a statement that drew loud applause from the crowd.

A Harris aide previously said she discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans during her phone call with Trump.

The Trump campaign said in a statement that the president-elect recognized Harris' “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 an address to the nation on Thursday, the White House added.

Trump “looks forward to the meeting that will take place shortly and greatly appreciated the call,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.

—NPR's Tamara Keith contributed to this story.