WASHINGTON—Kamala Harris’s defeat generated swift condemnation and soul-searching among Democrats, who are handing the White House back to a Republican they see as deeply flawed after their party failed to connect with voters preoccupied by inflation and illegal immigration.

WASHINGTON—Democrats gathered at Howard University, holding out hope for a victory for Kamala Harris even as The New York Times predicted doom.Exit polls and media projections spelled disaster for the Democratic presidential candidate’s chances,