The presidential election is finally over after a contentious battle over who’s the right fit to address growing concerns about border security, abortion access and rights, health care, and gun control.
The state of the economy was a top concern, with voters particularly focused on inflation, job creation, and economic recovery. On Election Day, voters overwhelmingly chose Donald Trump, the first person with a felony conviction to serve as president.
After Donald Trump’s victory, Vice President Kamala Harris officially conceded on Wednesday and sought to uplift young voters and other supporters who were disheartened by the results.
Trump defeated Harris after flipping key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. As of Thursday morning, according to CNN, Trump had 295 electoral votes, while Harris had 226.
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“It is ok to feel sad and disappointed,” Harris said during her Wednesday speech at Howard University. “If we are entering a dark time, we need light.”
She added: “But hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
Speaking to what appeared to be thousands in the crowd, Harris reflected on a hard-fought campaign and smiled as she took the stage. “Don’t ever give up, you have power,” Harris said.
“Sometimes the fight takes a while,” she said. “That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
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In an unprecedented election season, Harris launched her presidential campaign in July, with only about four months on the trail following President Joe Biden’s exit from his reelection bid.
Harris said she’s proud of the “107 days of this campaign,” even though “the outcome of this election is not what we wanted.”
“We must accept the results of this election,” she added.
Earlier Wednesday, Harris and Trump spoke by phone about ensuring “a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris noted.
President-elect Trump praised Harris for her efforts, according to the Trump campaign. “President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke by phone earlier today, where she congratulated him on his historic victory,” Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in an email.
“President Trump acknowledged Vice President Harris for her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country.”
Apart from the presidential race, the 2024 elections resulted in Republicans taking control of the U.S. Senate, gaining three seats. House Democrats lost three seats, according to news sources, though dozens of races have yet to be called.
According to a report from States Newsroom, Trump swiftly accumulated electoral votes after polls closed in states leaning his way, securing key battleground wins. The Associated Press projected him victorious in North Carolina just before midnight, Georgia around 1 a.m., and Pennsylvania shortly before 2:30 a.m.
Speaking to supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump celebrated what he called “the greatest political movement of all time” and promised to “heal” the country, calling his upcoming term “the golden age of America.”
Biden also congratulated Trump on his victory in a phone call with him, according to a White House statement. He has invited Trump to meet at the White House and declared a peaceful transfer of power.
“President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together,” the White House said.
Cheung, of the Trump campaign, said in an emailed statement: “President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call.”
President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, issued a joint statement posted on X, also congratulating Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance “on their victory.”
“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues,” the statement read. “Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz – two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign.”
