Trump is president-elect as Harris concedes. Here's a recap of today's historic developments

 

Donald Trump addresses the crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, November 5. 

Will Lanzoni/CNN

Former President Donald Trump will defeat Vice President Kamala Harris in a historic political comeback, recapturing the White House following an election loss in 2020, CNN projected on Wednesday.

Here’s a recap of the day’s dramatic developments:

• Trump wins: The former president outpaced his own performance in a losing cause four years ago, putting the states of Georgia and Pennsylvania back into the GOP column and retaining North Carolina for his party. Read more about what to expect from a Trump presidency here.
• World reaction: International leaders were quick to start congratulating Trump and said they looked forward to working with him. Some are also gaming out how to set up meetings with the new president-elect in coming months. Trump and his allies are closely tracking who reaches out and when, multiple sources said.
• Other notable reactions: Former President George W. Bush thanked election officials and poll workers and congratulated Trump on his election. Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said it is “obviously not the outcome we had hoped for,” but said democracy is about “recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out.” President Joe Biden also spoke with Trump and is planning to address the nation on Thursday.
• Running mates: Sen. JD Vance posted a message of thanks Wednesday morning, saying that he will “never stop fighting” for “ALL” Americans. Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, congratulated his former boss and Vance on their win. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is headed back to his home in St. Paul, Minnesota, tonight, a person familiar with his travel plans told CNN.
• Harris concedes: The vice president spoke with Trump to concede the 2024 election on Wednesday. In her speech at Howard University, Harris asked supporters to accept the results and called for a peaceful transfer of power. But she said, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.” She told young Americans to know “it’s going to be OK” and encouraged them to keep trying to “make the world a better place.”
• Senate: Republicans will win the US Senate majority, CNN projects, shifting the balance of power in Washington and putting the chamber in position to boost Trump’s presidency. With several races still to be declared, Republicans now have 52 seats in the chamber and will assume control under a yet-to-be chosen Republican leader when the new Congress convenes in January.
• House yet to be called: Republicans are defending a narrow majority, and it could take a week or more before control is officially determined. Right now, Republicans have 208 seats and Democrats have 191. Either side needs 218 seats to win the majority.