US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for their election showdown on November 5, one of the closest contests in modern American history. With just over a week until Election Day, the competition remains tight in several critical states that will shape the 2024 race.
According to the US Constitution, each state conducts its own presidential vote. The Electoral College system allocates electors based on population, with most states employing a winner-takes-all approach that awards all electors to the popular vote winner. Candidates require 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win, making swing states—historically shifting between Republican and Democratic candidates—decisive battlegrounds. This year, seven states are considered toss-ups, all within the margin of error.
Pennsylvania
Once a Democratic stronghold, Pennsylvania has become a battleground. Trump narrowly won the state by 0.7 percentage points in 2016, while Biden claimed it by 1.2 points in 2020. Known for its Rust Belt cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the state has faced a decline in its industrial base. Both candidates have campaigned heavily here, with Trump focusing on rural white voters and Harris promoting infrastructure investments.
Georgia
Georgia was a flashpoint at the end of Trump’s term, and the controversy continues. Trump faces election interference charges for urging state officials to overturn Biden’s 2020 victory. Harris aims to capitalize on demographic changes and minority voter engagement to turn the state blue again. However, a scandal involving Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial candidate could complicate Trump’s efforts.
North Carolina
The impact of storm Helene’s recent devastation on towns in western North Carolina may influence voter sentiment, much like in Georgia.
Michigan
Trump flipped Michigan from blue to red in 2016 but Biden regained it in 2020 with support from union workers and the Black community. This year, Harris risks alienating Arab-American voters due to the administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Arizona
Arizona was one of the closest races in 2020, with Biden winning by just 10,457 votes. Trump is banking on discontent over Biden’s immigration policies to swing the state back in his favor, while Harris has emphasized her commitment to immigration reform.
Wisconsin
Clinton lost Wisconsin in 2016 after neglecting it, but Biden reversed that trend in 2020, flipping a 23,000-vote deficit into a win. Trump sees the state as winnable, having held his party’s national convention there, while Harris has intensified her campaigning efforts.
Nevada
Nevada has not voted Republican since 2004, but conservatives believe they can change that, particularly after Trump’s gains among Hispanic voters. Harris has worked to regain the lead in the state by promoting her economic plans to help small businesses and combat inflation.
As the candidates prepare for this crucial election, the focus remains on these key swing states that will determine the outcome.
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