Vice President Kamala Harris’ Full Concession Speech
Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded Wednesday afternoon at Howard University in Washington, D.C., urging her supporters to keep fighting for democracy. This came after the Associated Press declared former President Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 presidential election early that morning. Below is a revised transcript.
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you, thank you. I want to say that my heart is full today—full of gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. While the outcome of this election isn’t what we hoped for or fought for, I want you to know that the light of America’s promise will keep shining as long as we don’t give up and keep fighting.
To my husband, Doug, and our family—I love you so much. To President Biden and Dr. Biden—thank you for your faith and support. To Governor Walz and his family—thank you for your service, which I know will continue. And to my incredible team, volunteers, poll workers, and local election officials—thank you. I am deeply grateful.
I’m incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and how we ran it. Over these 107 days, we’ve worked hard to build community and coalitions, uniting people from every walk of life with enthusiasm and hope for America’s future. We did it knowing that we share far more than what divides us.
I know many of you feel a range of emotions right now, and I get it. But we must accept the results of this election. I spoke earlier today with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory and to assure him of our full cooperation in a peaceful transfer of power.
One of the core principles of American democracy is to accept election results, even when we lose. This principle sets us apart from monarchies and tyrannies. It’s essential that anyone who seeks public trust honors it. But remember, in America, our loyalty is not to any president or party—it’s to the Constitution, our conscience, and our faith.
While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign—the fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all. It’s a fight for the ideals that reflect America at its best, and it’s a fight I will never give up.
I’ll keep fighting for a future where every American can pursue their dreams. Where women have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. Where our schools and streets are safe from gun violence. Where we stand strong for democracy, the rule of law, equal justice, and the belief that everyone has fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected.
We will continue this fight at the voting booth, in the courts, and in our daily lives by treating others with kindness and respect. Hard work is good work, and we believe it can be joyful work. The fight for our country is always worth it.
To the young people watching, I know you may feel disappointed, but remember, it’s going to be okay. Change takes time, but that doesn’t mean we won’t succeed. Never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you something’s impossible just because it hasn’t been done before. You have the power to make extraordinary things happen.
So let’s not lose hope. Now is not the time to throw up our hands but to roll up our sleeves. It’s time to organize, to stay engaged, and to keep building a future of freedom and justice.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen people at some of the hardest moments of their lives find the courage to stand up for themselves and for others. Let their courage be our guide and their determination our mission.
I’ll close with this thought: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” Some may feel we’re entering a dark time, but if that’s true, then let’s light up the sky with the brilliance of our hope, faith, and dedication to service. Let those lights guide us forward to realize the extraordinary promise of the United States.
Thank you, and may God bless you all and the United States of America.
