As the clock ticks down on Election Day, the tension is palpable. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are racing to hit the critical 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency, with eyes locked on the crucial swing states that could tip the balance. It’s a contest that’s keeping America on edge, with each passing hour revealing new projections and outcomes.
The states that have captured the most attention in the closing days of the campaign are Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona. With polls showing neck-and-neck races, these battlegrounds could very well be the deciders of this historic election.
The question on everyone’s mind? Who will win, and who will be left behind?
Donald Trump’s Stronghold: States He Has Won So Far
As media outlets like CNN, the Associated Press, and others began reporting results, Donald Trump has already managed to secure a number of traditionally Republican states. The list includes big-ticket wins in Florida (30 electoral votes) and Texas (40 electoral votes), both essential parts of his electoral map. Here’s a rundown of the states Trump has won so far (via News 18):
- Texas (40 electoral votes)
- Florida (30 electoral votes)
- Indiana (11 electoral votes)
- Tennessee (11 electoral votes)
- Arkansas (6 electoral votes)
- Mississippi (6 electoral votes)
- South Carolina (9 electoral votes)
- Alabama (9 electoral votes)
- West Virginia (4 electoral votes)
- Kentucky (8 electoral votes)
- Missouri (10 electoral votes)
- Oklahoma (7 electoral votes)
- North Dakota (3 electoral votes)
- South Dakota (3 electoral votes)
- Wyoming (3 electoral votes)
Trump’s confidence in these states is unwavering. As voting continued for the next president, he shared in a post on X, saying, “This will be the most important day in American History,” highlighting that voter enthusiasm was “through the roof”. He’s banking on his strongholds to lay the foundation for a victorious night, but the real battle lies in the swing states, where both candidates are pulling out all the stops.
The Crucial Swing States: Where the Election Will Be Won or Lost?
For Donald Trump, the fight is far from over. With 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency, these key battleground states will be the deciding factor. Which swing states are crucial for Trump and Kamala Harris to secure victory? Here’s a closer look at these states that could make or break the 2024 election (via US Today).
1. Arizona (11 electoral votes)
Arizona has become a battleground state, with both parties fighting for control. In 2020, Joe Biden won the state by a razor-thin margin of 0.3%. Trump, however, took the state by a more comfortable 3.5% in 2016. With 11 electoral votes at stake, this state is crucial for Donald Trump if he hopes to reclaim his 2016 performance.
2. Georgia (16 electoral votes)
Georgia’s inclusion in the swing state column was a shock to many, but Biden managed to flip the state in 2020 by a mere 0.2%. Trump had previously won Georgia by 5.1% in 2016, and securing this state is a top priority for his campaign. With its 16 electoral votes, Georgia is now a state that both candidates are fighting fiercely for.
3. Michigan (15 electoral votes)
Michigan is one of the cornerstones of the Democratic ‘Blue Wall’, and securing it is key for Kamala Harris. In 2020, Biden won Michigan by 2.8%, while Trump narrowly took it in 2016 by just 0.2%. Both candidates have invested heavily in the state, and it’s considered a must-win for Harris to retain control.
4. Nevada (6 electoral votes)
Nevada may only have six electoral votes, but it’s a vital piece of the puzzle. Clinton and Biden both won Nevada by roughly 2.4%, but Trump will be hoping to flip it back to red in 2024. Given the state’s growing Latino population and shifting demographics, this will be another hard-fought contest.
5. North Carolina (16 electoral votes)
North Carolina, another large swing state, has been a Republican stronghold in recent years. Trump won it by 3.7% in 2016, but Biden closed the gap in 2020, losing by just 1.4%. With its 16 electoral votes, North Carolina is one of the largest prizes in the swing state category, and both candidates are fighting tooth and nail for it.
6. Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes)
With 19 electoral votes, it holds a massive stake in the outcome of the race. Trump narrowly won the state in 2016 by 0.7%, but Biden flipped it in 2020 with a 1.2% margin. With both candidates focusing heavily on Pennsylvania, this state could very well be the one that swings the election in either direction.
7. Wisconsin (10 electoral votes)
Wisconsin, like Michigan, is part of the Democratic ‘Blue Wall’ and was a crucial battleground in 2016. Trump won the state by just 0.8%, but Biden flipped it in 2020 with a 1.3% margin. With 10 electoral votes on the line, Wisconsin is another critical state that will determine the outcome of the election.
Let’s Talk About the Celebrity Endorsements
In the 2024 race, celebrity endorsements have been part of the drama as well. Figures like Joe Rogan and YouTuber Jake Paul have thrown their weight behind Donald Trump. The former, in particular, has been vocal in his support, even interviewing Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter.
Meanwhile, celebrities like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Rihanna, have rallied behind Kamala Harris. Swift’s endorsement came shortly after a tense debate, and the star-studded roster of artists continues to use their platforms to sway voters.
The final push is underway, and while Trump has solidified his hold on several key states, the real action is in the swing states. With both candidates making their case and voter enthusiasm high, the race remains wide open.
Whether you’re with Trump or Harris, we can’t deny that the next few hours will determine the course of American history. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the country is watching closely!
