Hillary Clinton concedes 2016 election to Donald Trump in emotional speech

One year, six months and 28 days after announcing her presidential candidacy, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton conceded the 2016 election on Wednesday morning to Donald Trump.

Flanked by husband Bill and daughter Chelsea, Clinton addressed a crowd of campaign volunteers and the nation from The New Yorker Hotel's Grand Ballroom with forward-looking remarks, saying of President-elect Trump, "We owe him an open mind and chance to lead."

SEE MORE: In-depth coverage of the 2016 election

The former secretary of state also offered her support to her former rival, noting that she congratulated him and "offered to work with him on behalf of our country" in her concession call early Wednesday morning.

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"I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together," Clinton said. "You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been the greatest honor of my life."

While supporters could be seen crying in the ballroom, Clinton kept a positive, unified tone throughout her concession speech, saying she hopes Trump will be "a successful president for all Americans." The democratic presidential nominee did, however, acknowledge the poignant disappointment shared among campaign supporters across the country.

"I still believe in America and I always will."

Looking to the future, Clinton noted a "deeply divided" nation, but declared steadfast a continued belief in the democracy and rule of law the U.S. has to offer. Clinton also thanked President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for "graceful, determined leadership" throughout the campaign.

Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine introduced the former secretary of state, heralding her success in winning the American popular vote as an "amazing accomplishment."

The U.S. senator from Virginia went on to acknowledge Clinton's political progression as first lady, senator, secretary of state, and Democratic presidential nominee, saying, "She has been and is a great history maker in everything she's done."

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Dressed in the traditionally bipartisan color purple, Clinton reflected on the long campaign season by thanking her loyal staff -- many of whom including John Podesta, Huma Abedin and John Sullivan -- were watching the remarks from the front row.

"This is painful," Clinton said. "And it will be for a long time."

Both Clinton and Trump ran fierce campaigns until the bitter end, making stops in key battleground states North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida, among others. In the wake of Donald Trump's massive upset win over Clinton, pundits are left to calculate where the Democratic nominee went wrong.

Early exit polls suggest that the Clinton campaign may have underestimated the rural vote, and noted that she failed to visit the one-time Democratic stronghold of Wisconsin, only to lose the state. Others note key losses with demographics once won by President Obama in 2008 and 2012.