Vice President Kamala Harris refrained from delivering remarks on the night of the 2024 presidential election, as originally anticipated. Supporters had gathered in large numbers at Howard University in Washington, D.C., expecting her to address the crowd and discuss the day’s events. However, late in the evening, Harris’s campaign announced she would not speak.
Cedric Richmond, co-chair of Harris’ campaign, addressed the crowd on her behalf. “We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has been heard,” Richmond told the audience, which included students, faculty, and supporters from across the D.C. area. “You won’t hear from the vice president tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow. She will be here to address not only the H.U. family but also her supporters and the nation as a whole.”
Harris’ decision not to speak came as results from critical swing states were announced, projecting former President Donald Trump as the winner with 277 electoral votes by the early hours of the morning. Harris’s supporters and campaign staff emphasized their commitment to seeing the process through, with Richmond affirming that every vote would be counted and every voice acknowledged.
As of election night, Harris had garnered 224 electoral votes, leaving several crucial states still undecided but leaning toward Trump, including Arizona, Nevada and Michigan. Harris’ expected statement on the day after the election is anticipated to provide more clarity on the next steps for her campaign and her message to supporters.
Vice President Harris will speak at 1 p.m.
