Crowd erupts into applause as Kamala Harris vows peaceful transfer of power to Donald Trump: ‘When we lose an election we accept the results’

The Democratic nominee addressed supporters at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, where her team had hoped to celebrate a win before the race was ultimately called for Trump. Trump’s campaign knocked down the so-called “blue wall” Harris eyed for a path to the presidency, notching wins in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. 

In her concession speech, Harris maintained a positive outlook on America’s future and said she was conceding the election but would not “concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”

“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,” she told supporters Wednesday. “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 the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.” 

At the center of Harris’s speech was the promise of a seamless power transfer. She promised the Biden administration would “engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” prompting cheers from the audience. Harris said she called Trump earlier on Wednesday and congratulated him on his victory. 

“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election we accept the results,” said Harris. “That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny. And anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.”

Harris also thanked her husband Doug Emhoff, her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, President Biden and those who championed her campaign. But she also called it a time to “stay mobilized and engaged” for “the sake of justice.” She added that supporters should not be disheartened by the election results and should instead view it as a call to action.

“To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be okay. On the campaign I would often say, when we fight, we win,” she told the crowd. “But here’s the thing, here’s the thing, sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”