Kamala Harris concedes defeat and congrats Trump

In the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election results, Kamala Harris formally conceded defeat to President-Elect Donald Trump, but vowed to continue advocating for the issues that fueled her campaign.

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that inspired it,” Harris said in a statement. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and for the dignity of all people. The fight for the ideals that make America great—ideals we must uphold.”

She added, “I will never stop fighting for a future where all Americans can pursue their dreams, where women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, and where our schools and streets are safe from gun violence. We will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, and for the fundamental rights of all people—rights that must be respected and protected.”

US Presidential results

Donald Trump
295 electoral votes
Republican Party
72,169,902 votes (50.9%)

Kamala Harris
226 electoral votes
Democratic Party
67,358,568 votes (47.6%)

Jill Stein
0 electoral votes
Green Party
630,723 votes (0.4%)

Robert Kennedy
0 electoral votes
Independent
603,363 votes (0.4%)

Chase Oliver
0 electoral votes
Libertarian Party
569,169 votes (0.4%)

Other candidates
0 electoral votes
320,009 votes (0.2%)
Less results

Kamala Harris promises peaceful transfer of power and calls on supporters to accept election results

Harris also called on her supporters to accept the results of the election and emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.

“I know many of you are feeling a range of emotions right now, and I understand. But we must respect the democratic process and accept the results,” she said. “Earlier today, I spoke with President-Elect Trump, congratulated him on his victory, and assured him we will help with his transition. Our country’s democracy requires a peaceful transfer of power, and I will honor that principle.”

Her statement marked a stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to concede in the aftermath of the 2020 election, when he attempted to block Joe Biden’s certification of victory, culminating in the January 6th Capitol insurrection.

Harris thanks supporters, reflects on her campaign

Harris expressed gratitude to everyone who worked on her campaign, which spanned just over three months.

“To my beloved Doug, to President Biden, to Governor Walz, to my extraordinary team, volunteers, and all those who helped make this campaign a success, thank you,” she said. “Your commitment, energy, and passion have been the backbone of this movement.”

The fight will continue despite election defeat – Kamala Harris

Acknowledging the disappointment that many of her supporters felt, Harris urged them not to lose hope.

“My heart is full today,” she said. “Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. While the outcome is not what we wanted, it is not the end of the fight. The light of America’s promise will burn bright as long as we never give up and continue to push for change.”

Democrats -Kenya in fear after Trump’s victory

Meanwhile, in Kenya, members of Democrats Abroad—Kenya, who had gathered in Nairobi’s Westlands area to follow the election results, expressed disappointment and concern over Trump’s victory.

Alexia Yun, a project manager in Kenya, said, “I am a little disappointed, not as surprised as I was in 2016. A bit scared now about what is going to happen in the next four years and beyond, but not surprising though. Unfortunately.”

Abortion rights had been a major issue during this election, especially following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, which restricted abortion access for millions of women. Democrats in Kenya are particularly concerned about the potential for further restrictions on women’s rights under a second Trump administration.

Robin Emerson, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad in Kenya, said, “I am very concerned about what this new administration could mean for women’s reproductive rights. What will they say about a woman’s body and her right to make decisions about it?”

Democrats Abroad is a global organization that helps U.S. citizens living abroad vote in elections, with 52 country committees, including one in Kenya.