Harris told supporters gathered at Howard University that she had lost her race against Trump, conceding to the Republican president who is now empowered by a sweeping mandate.
“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.”
In her speech, Harris said she would continue to fight for her campaign themes which included unfettered abortion rights.
Earlier in the day, both she and President Joe Biden phoned President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his significant victory.
In his phone call to Trump, Biden invited Trump to the White House to discuss the transition.
The White House said staff would coordinate a date “in the near future.” Biden plans to address the nation on the election results, which will have sharp implications for his legacy on Thursday. Biden also spoke with Harris to congratulate her on her campaign.
