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US Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded the 2024 presidential race to Donald Trump on Wednesday, before later delivering a speech at her alma mater, Howard University, telling her disappointed supporters that they “have to accept the results of this election.

Harris had called on Trump to concede earlier in the day after the Republican candidate was declared the winner of the election, a senior Harris aide said.

Harris “called President-elect Trump to congratulate him on winning the 2024 presidential election,” his aide said. “She discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being president for all Americans.”

The theme of unity was at the forefront of her speech at Howard, with the vice president admitting that even if the race did not end as she had hoped, she would continue to fight for the right to abortion, gun control and protecting democracy and the rule of law. law.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, nor what we fought for, nor what we voted for, but hear me when I say… the light of the promise of America will always shine as long as we never give up,” Harris said. said.

“While I recognize this election, I do not recognize the fight fueling this campaign,” Harris added.

Harris also said she told Trump the White House would help with the transition and “commit to a peaceful transfer of power.”

The remarks were his first public speech since Trump declared victory in the early hours of Wednesday morning; Harris left her election night party in Howard without addressing her supporters Tuesday night.

Harris’ concession will cap a blitzkrieg campaign that began less than four months ago following President Joe Biden’s decision not to run again. Trump’s victory – which was decisive – immediately led to criticism among Democrats, with many Harris allies blaming her defeat on Biden and his late decision to leave the race.

“Joe Biden is the only reason Kamala Harris and the Democrats lost tonight,” a Harris aide said. told Politico.

Republicans captured the White House and Senate in Tuesday’s elections. As of Wednesday afternoon, control of the House of Representatives was still uncertain, even though Republicans look at increasingly likely to retain the House.