Malcolm Rivera
On November 6, 2024, Kamala Harris, the former vice president of the United States, was scheduled to deliver her concession speech at 1 p.m. PST or 4 p.m. ET. Harris, who led the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden's decision not to run for another term, lost the 2024 presidential election to Republican Donald Trump, who secured 277 electoral votes to Harris' 224. Harris' speech, which was expected to be broadcast across major networks, was set to take place at Howard University in Washington, D.C., her alma mater.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Speech | 6th November 2024 |
| Time of Speech | 1 pm PST, 3 pm CT, 4 pm ET |
| Nature of Speech | Concession speech |
| Venue | Howard University, Washington D.C. |
| Expected Attendance | 52,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Kamala Harris' 2024 concession speech
Kamala Harris Delivers 2024 Concession Speech
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a concession speech at Howard University, her alma mater, in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 2024, acknowledging her defeat in the 2024 U.S. presidential election to Donald Trump. Harris became the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian person to serve as vice president of the United States.
The Concession Speech:
"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign. I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. America will never give up the fight for our democracy. 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 keep fighting. Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have intentionally built community and built coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by the love of our country, with enthusiasm and joy."
"We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square. We will also wage it in quieter ways, in how we live our lives, by treating one another with kindness and respect, by looking into the face of a stranger and seeing a neighbor, and by always using our strength to lift people up. Hard work is good work. Hard work can be joyful work. And the fight for our country is always worth it. I often say that when we fight, we win. But here's the thing: Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win."
Next Steps:
Harris confirmed that she called Trump to congratulate him on his election win and discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. Trump, in his victory speech, declared his win as the greatest political movement of all time and vowed to fix the country's borders and "everything" about the nation. He will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
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Harris' 2028 presidential run
Kamala Harris, the former vice president of the United States, is reportedly considering a second run for the presidency in 2028. Harris has not ruled out another campaign, and her supporters point to her high approval ratings and the belief that she was dragged down by Joe Biden's unpopularity during her 2024 bid. Harris is also mulling over a run for governor of California, a position that, if she wins, would make her the nation's first Black female governor. However, some Democratic donors and consultants have expressed concerns about a potential 2028 Harris presidential campaign, arguing that it is hurting the party and other candidates to have her indecision "looming over" the race.
Harris has not yet made a formal announcement about her political plans, but some of her advisers and allies are encouraging her to enter the 2028 race. Donna Brazile, a Harris ally, pointed to the way Donald Trump has rewritten the rules of presidential campaigns, suggesting that Harris should not be bound by traditional norms that discourage losing candidates from running again.
Harris's potential competitors in the 2028 Democratic primary include Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota and Harris's running mate in 2024; California congresswoman Katie Porter; and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who has urged Harris to declare her intentions as soon as possible. Other possible contenders for the Democratic nomination are Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, Cory Booker, Ruben Gallego, and Beshear.
Despite the speculation and encouragement from some quarters, there is also a sense of pessimism among Democrats about the next presidential election. Party donors have expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming campaign, and one fundraiser, Michael Kempner, stated that he believed it would be "tough" for any Democrat to raise money. This sentiment may influence Harris's decision-making process as she considers her future political moves.
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Harris' 2025 plans
As of March 2025, Kamala Harris is considering a run for governor of California and has until the end of the summer to make a final decision. Harris has not held political office since January 2025, when she vacated the White House following her and Biden's unsuccessful 2024 reelection bid.
Harris has a number of options for remaining in the political arena. One possibility is for her to run for governor in her home state of California in 2026. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is retiring at the end of his term due to the state's two-term limit on the governorship. Harris's high name recognition, fundraising power, and California credentials would make her a strong contender if she chose to enter the race. A recent poll conducted for Emerson College Polling, Inside California Politics, and The Hill showed that 57% of voters would be prepared to vote for Harris as governor.
However, a decision to run for governor would likely preclude the possibility of Harris embarking on a second presidential campaign in 2028. Harris is reportedly keeping that option open, and some of her aides have already assessed that the Democratic primary contest will be highly competitive. Harris maintains significant leads in early national polls of the field of possible candidates, but a gubernatorial run would allow other Democratic candidates in the 2028 presidential race.
Harris has told all her aides and allies to "keep every possible path open" and that she is "staying in this fight." She has kept on some of her most senior and trusted aides, including chief of staff Sheila Nix and senior advisers Kirsten Allen and Ike Irby. Harris has yet to convene formal conversations about a run for governor, but her mere consideration of the race has already caused several California Democratic candidates in the 2026 field for governor to look for other options.
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Harris' 2024 campaign speech
Harris 2024 Campaign Speech
Good afternoon, my fellow Americans. I stand before you today with a heavy heart. While we have fought a valiant fight, the results are in, and I will not be your next President.
I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who stood by my side throughout this journey. To my family, my friends, and my supporters—your unwavering dedication has been a source of strength and inspiration. I am forever grateful for your support and your belief in our shared vision for this great nation.
Our campaign has been about unity and hope. We set out to bring people together and to build a brighter future for all Americans. While we may not have won this election, our work is not done. We must continue to fight for the values we hold dear: equality, justice, and progress. We must keep striving to create a nation that works for all its citizens, regardless of race, gender, or creed.
I want to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory. While we may have our differences, I wish him success in leading our country. It is now time for us to come together and move forward as one nation. We may have our disagreements, but let us remember that we are all Americans, and we all want what is best for our country.
Finally, I want to leave you with a message of hope. Although we may have lost this battle, the war for a better America is far from over. Let us continue to work towards a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive and pursue their dreams. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I know that our efforts will have a lasting impact.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.
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Harris' career as Vice President
Kamala Harris was the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025. She was the first woman, the first Black American, and the first Asian American to hold the post. Harris was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 2021, and served under President Joe Biden. She previously served as a United States Senator from California from 2017 to 2021 and as Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017.
During her time as Vice President, Harris focused on advancing opportunity, delivering for families, and protecting fundamental freedoms. She advocated for the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, the freedom to live safe from gun violence, the freedom to vote, and the freedom to access clean water and air. She also prioritised job creation through investments in small businesses and community banks.
As Vice President, Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of increased migration from Latin America to the US-Mexico border. She also worked to promote national legislation to protect voting rights and preserve women's access to abortion. Harris played a crucial role in passing significant legislation, casting 33 tie-breaking votes—more than any other vice president. These votes were instrumental in passing acts such as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act.
In July 2024, after Biden withdrew his candidacy for reelection, Harris launched her own presidential campaign and became the Democratic nominee. She selected Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Harris participated in a presidential debate with former president Trump, where she was declared the winner by several political analysts. Despite her strong performance, Harris ultimately lost the election to Trump and Ohio senator JD Vance.
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Frequently asked questions
Kamala Harris was expected to give her concession speech at 1 pm PST, 3 pm CT, or 4 pm ET.
Harris will speak from Howard University in Washington, D.C., the college she attended as an undergraduate.
Harris gave her closing campaign speech at 6 pm or 7:15 pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, a week before Election Day.
