Harris concedes the election to Trump in his speech

“Today I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory,” Harris said at his alma mater, Howard University, in Washington, DC

It was the first time Harris spoke to the public on camera since Trump declared his victory early Wednesday morning.

“We will continue to fight this fight in the voting booth, in the courts and in public squares,” she said.

Harris was accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, along with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and other family members and campaign staff. Many people present had tears in their eyes when the Vice President gave her speech.

“I know people are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now,” Harris said. “I’m so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it.”

Harris urged her supporters to remain hopeful for the incoming administration.

“While I admit this election, I do not admit the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said. “The fight for freedom, for opportunities, for justice and the dignity of all people.”

“This is not the time to throw up your hands,” she added. “This is the time to roll up your sleeves.”

Over the course of her 107-day campaign, Harris broke fundraising records and held regular rallies attended by tens of thousands of people. She also received a number of high-profile endorsements — from music superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to staunch conservatives like former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.

“Our intention was to build communities and coalitions to bring people from all walks of life and backgrounds together, united by a love of country,” Harris said.

Harris was originally scheduled to speak at her election watch party at Howard University on Tuesday night, but her campaign turned away the crowd as the vote count came in and Trump appeared to be ahead.

Wednesday's speech capped a series of events unparalleled in American political history. It began when Trump survived an assassination attempt in early July. A week later, Harris was spontaneously catapulted to the top spot in the Democratic presidential nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.