Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Donald Trump in the presidential race on Wednesday, said in her speech to supporters that while she understands the range of emotions everyone is experiencing, they must accept the outcome of the result. In recognizing the election, Harris said she would help Trump and his team with the peaceful transition of power.

“My heart is full today – full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of determination. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, what we fought for, what we voted for. But listen to me when I say that the light of the American promise will always shine,” Harris said in an emotional concession speech at his alma mater Howard University.

She said they must accept the election result because the fundamental principle of democracy is to accept the election results. “I know people are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I understand. But we have to accept the results of this election,” Harris said.

Harris said she would help Trump and his team with their transition and that they would engage in a peaceful transition of power. “In our nation, we owe our loyalty not to any president or party but to the Constitution of the United States,” she added.

“Even though I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said.

Harris urged her supporters to persist in their efforts to defend the country’s core values. She emphasized that while struggles may take time, perseverance is crucial. “Sometimes the fight takes time, but that doesn’t mean we won’t win; the important thing is to never give up,” Harris said.

Harris has positioned herself as an “agent of change,” unlike former President Donald Trump, who focused his campaign on economic and immigration concerns. In his speech, Harris said, “The fight for freedom, opportunity, fairness and dignity for all will continue.”

“I know a lot of people feel like we’re entering a dark time, but for all of our sakes, I hope that’s not the case,” she added.

In the election, Trump, 78, staged a significant comeback, securing 291 electoral college votes to Harris’ 223, in a hotly contested race that presented Americans with two distinct perspectives.