Addressing her supporters and the nation from her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harris acknowledged that the election outcome was not what Democrats had anticipated, but she urged them to accept the results.
"We must accept the results of this election," she stated on Wednesday, calling for unity and respect for the democratic process.
The 60-year-old Vice President expressed deep gratitude for the journey and pledged her continued commitment to America's future, including the values of freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all people.
"My heart is full todayâ€"full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve," she said, visibly moved. "The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, 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 revealed that she had spoken with Trump earlier in the day to congratulate him on his victory and assured him of a smooth transfer of power.
"I told him that we will help him and his team with that transition, and we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power," she added.
As Vice President, Harris will play the ceremonial role of President of the Senate during the certification of Trump's victory on January 6, 2025.
Harris's public concession marks the end of a tumultuous election season, during which the two rival candidates fiercely sought public support, trading sharp barbs as they pursued their bids for the White House.
Harris had aspired to make history as the first Black woman and first female U.S. president, but that dream dimmed on Wednesday morning as Trump secured key states to surpass the 270 electoral vote threshold needed to win the presidency.
The Republican candidate, who lost to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, won several battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, securing a non-consecutive term in officeâ€"a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland 132 years ago.
As of Thursday morning, Trump had garnered 295 electoral college votes, with Harris trailing at 226. Trump also holds a popular vote lead of more than five million votes.
In his return to power, Trump defied numerous odds, surviving repeated scandals and multiple indictments, including charges related to hush money payments, mishandling classified documents after leaving office, and alleged interference in the 2020 election.
Political pundits believe that Trump's primary focus on the economy and his promise to contain illegal immigration ultimately resonated with enough Americans, leading to the Democrats' resounding defeat.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
