Just after The Associated Press and other news organizations declared former Vice President Joe Biden beat President Donald Trump, celebrations erupted across San Diego County.
In Normal Heights, resident Barrett Pall said he was taking to the street to support his community.
“It was a tough four years for a lot of people,” said Pall. “If you are any type of marginalized community, if you’re a woman this is critical for so many people. We’re taking to the street to celebrate, we live on a main street, everyone’s honking and super excited.”
Crowds gathered at the pride flag on University Avenue, banging drums and ringing bells. One woman, who was dressed as a mailbox, danced and showed her support for the postal workers who delivered ballots this year.
Melanie Stark, who said she hasn’t slept since election day, felt relieved.
Breaking into tears, she said she sees this election as pivotal for members of the LGBTQ+ community like herself: “Overall, America says my marriage is valid. My health care is valid. My right to adopt and foster, is valid. My right as an American citizen is valid. Today I have hope, which is amazing.”
RELATED: Live Updates: Biden, Harris win set off celebrations on California streets
Fairmount Park resident Kingsley Brown was getting his haircut in Hillcrest when he started to hear car horns in celebration of the victory.
“Huge amount of relief and exultation and excitement,” said Brown. “I’m really happy we have Kamala Harris as VP. It’s really great.”
Natalie Garces and Gillian Grennan woke up by the sounds of car horns in their neighborhood.
“Everybody started honking and that’s how we knew,” said Garces. “We’re very excited for the first woman vice-president.”
They then went and bought rainbow-colored pride flags from a nearby store and began to hand them out to those passing by.
Grennan said she feels relief.
“We all know there’s so much more work to do,” said Brennan. “And Biden was never our first choice. But wow, thank God. It’s going to be so much easier.”
Later in the afternoon, dozens of Trump supporters gathered at the County Administration Building downtown, including El Cajon resident Joshua Cantor.
“I’m here today to stand for an election of integrity where everybody’s vote is counted and counted accurately. I think there’s some very vague and valid concerns that need to be addressed,” said Cantor.
The Trump campaign is still contesting the process in several states, and said in a statement Friday morning: "This election is not over."
KPBS web producer Lara McCaffrey contributed to this report.
