Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech at Howard University following her defeat in the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump.
In her address, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and volunteers, emphasising the importance of accepting the election results while also highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and democracy.
“The outcome 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.”
Key quotes from her speech:
- “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results.”
- “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign … I will never give up a fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams ambitions and aspirations … will never give up the fight for our democracy.”
- “Folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now, I get it. But we must accept the results of this election. Earlier today, 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.”
- “To everyone who is watching: do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice, and the future that we all know we can build together.”
- “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts and in the public square … Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is don’t ever give up … Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”
- “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. 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. America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, billion stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.”
- “My heart is full today. Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
Harris addressed a crowd that included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, several senior Biden White House aides and thousands of fans, who chanted “Kam-a-la” before her speech and listened to a soundtrack that included Beyonce’s ‘Run the world (Girls)’ and Tye Tribbett’s ‘We Gon’ Be Alright’.