President Biden said that picking Kamala Harris to be his running mate was the “best decision” he made, hours after his vice president conceded the 2020 election.

In a statement issued Wednesday night, Mr. Biden said Ms. Harris’ failed bid for the presidency “embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for the nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.”

The president said that the first decision he made after becoming the Democratic nominee in 2020 was to select Ms, Harris as his running mate.

“It was the best decision I made. Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story,” Mr. Biden said.

The president issued the statement after Ms. Harris had told supporters at her alma mater, Howard University, that she conceded the race to President-elect Donald Trump.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Ms. Harris said. “But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”