As results pour in for the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump claimed a significant victory by winning North Carolina, one of the crucial battleground states. NBC News projected Trump’s North Carolina win early in the evening, which delivers him 16 electoral votes. The state, which Trump also narrowly won in 2020, has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since Barack Obama’s victory in 2008. Trump’s campaign sees this win as a boost to their path to the White House, with Trump gaining momentum in battleground states.
The former president’s campaign emphasized the importance of North Carolina, with Ohio Senator J.D. Vance previously remarking it would be “very hard” for Trump to win the presidency without it. This victory is a promising sign for Trump, who has made gains in states he narrowly won or lost in 2020, according to recent polls.
Kamala Harris Secures Key Democratic States but Faces Close Contests in Swing Regions
Vice President Kamala Harris secured expected victories in traditionally Democratic states such as California and New York. Despite winning these high-electoral-count states, several critical swing states remain too close to call. These states, including Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, will play an essential role in determining the winner.
Harris’ campaign is hoping for strong showings in the “blue wall” states—Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—where voter turnout and absentee ballots will be crucial. Campaign spokesperson Ian Sams noted on X (formerly Twitter) that many ballots in Michigan’s Wayne County, which includes Detroit, have yet to be counted. Currently, Trump holds a slight lead in Michigan, but the Harris campaign remains optimistic that high turnout and late-counted absentee ballots will shift the margins in their favor.
Congressional Races Show Historic Firsts and Republican Gains
In addition to the presidential race, control of Congress is also at stake. Republicans have flipped two Senate seats, bringing them closer to securing a majority. Meanwhile, Democrats celebrated historic victories, including Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, who became the first Black woman elected to represent the state in the U.S. Senate, and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, who made history as Delaware’s first Black female senator. These wins highlight a year of notable diversity and representation within the Democratic Party.
Governor races also saw significant outcomes. In Washington, Democrat Bob Ferguson won the governor’s race, NBC News projected. These victories reflect voter engagement and the changing demographics of several states, which could impact the balance of power within Congress and the administration’s ability to push key legislative agendas.
Key Issues Driving Voters in 2024: Economy and Democracy
According to NBC News Exit Polls, voters across the country listed the state of democracy and the economy as their top concerns. Other critical issues, such as abortion and immigration, also influenced voters’ decisions. States like Missouri voted to raise the minimum wage, a significant shift that reflects a national focus on economic conditions for working-class families.
Eyes on Pennsylvania and the ‘Blue Wall’
As the night unfolds, the Harris campaign is particularly focused on Pennsylvania. Trump is currently leading by a sizable margin in Butler County, a conservative stronghold. Harris’s team, however, remains hopeful, counting on Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, where large numbers of absentee ballots are expected to favor her. Symone Sanders-Townsend, a Harris campaign aide, reported on MSNBC that tens of thousands of ballots from Philadelphia County are yet to be counted and could sway the race in her favor.
Harris is also looking to the Midwest, where states like Minnesota and Wisconsin will be decisive. NBC News reported that Minnesota is still too close to call, despite its history of supporting Democratic candidates like Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Harris secured a win over Trump, holding onto the state’s 13 electoral votes, although the margin was narrower than expected.
A Pivotal Night as Results Continue to Roll In
With the outcome still uncertain, both campaigns are preparing for potential recounts and legal challenges in closely contested states. Harris’s aides are optimistic about absentee ballots in key cities, while Trump’s team is buoyed by his wins in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas.
As both campaigns await results from remaining battlegrounds, this election underscores the polarized landscape and the significance of every vote in deciding the nation’s future trajectory. The final outcome hinges on states that remain too close to call, keeping both campaigns and their supporters on edge.