In an emotional concession speech at her alma mater Howard University, 60-year-old Harris said the "light of America's promise will always burn bright" and vowed to keep up the "fight" that fuelled her campaign

"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 resolve," she said in an attempt to lift the spirits of her supporters

"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," she added

"I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it. But we must accept the results of this election," she said, adding that a fundamental principle of democracy is to accept the election outcomes

Harris said she spoke to President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory

"I told Trump that we will help him and his team in their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transition of power," she said

"In our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the constitution of the United States," she added

"While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign," Harris said

Harris also called on her supporters not to give up their fights to protect the country's foundational principles