7 States That Will Shape the 2024 US Presidency: What You Need to Know
U.S. voters head to the polls on November 5 to choose their next president, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump neck-and-neck in one of the most closely contested races in recent history.
In the Electoral College system, the winning candidate must secure at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes.
Unexpected shifts are rare but possible; however, several states show a clearer lean toward either candidate with polls outside the margin of error.
This race will come down to a few critical states, with both candidates ramping up campaign efforts as Election Day approaches.
Polls consistently place Harris and Trump within the margin of error in the seven key battleground states where it matters most.
After stepping in as the Democratic nominee for President Joe Biden, VP Harris swiftly erased Trump’s lead, boosting the Democratic Party’s chances.
As of Saturday, over 73 million Americans have already cast their votes, with both campaigns closely tracking voting patterns and mobilizing supporters in the final days to claim victory as the 47th U.S. president.
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Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, one of the “Blue Wall” states, is a pivotal swing state this year, and both candidates are targeting its 19 electoral votes.
Trump captured Pennsylvania in 2016 on his way to victory but lost it to Biden in 2020.
The state’s significance is underscored by intense campaign efforts, with Harris determined to keep it in Democratic hands.
Georgia
With 16 electoral votes, Georgia was at the center of Trump’s election interference case after he urged state officials to “find” enough votes to overturn Biden’s narrow 2020 win.
Georgia had been a Republican stronghold since 1992 until Biden’s victory, and while Trump aims to reclaim it, the Democratic Party hopes to repeat history.
Wisconsin
Holding 10 electoral votes, Wisconsin is another crucial state where Harris is focused on maintaining the Democratic advantage gained by Biden in 2020.
The 270towin polling average shows Harris leading with a 0.8% margin as of November 3, 2024, though still within the margin of error.
Michigan
Michigan, which had voted blue for six consecutive elections, flipped red in 2016 when Trump defeated Clinton.
Trump lost it in 2020 as Biden won its electoral votes, but both candidates are now vying for Michigan’s 15 electoral votes.
Arizona
With 11 electoral votes, Arizona has seen border security take center stage, especially after flipping from Republican to Democrat in 2020 when Biden secured the state.
Trump’s unexpected 2016 victory defied pollsters, and now Arizona, which has largely leaned Republican since 1952 (except for Bill Clinton in 1996 and Biden in 2020), is a top focus for both campaigns.
North Carolina
North Carolina, which has voted red in the last three elections, is a battleground Trump hopes to keep red, while Harris aims to mirror former President Obama’s 2008 victory.
The state’s 16 electoral votes are highly contested, with Trump holding a narrow 1.2% lead, per the 270towin polling average.
Nevada
Nevada has voted blue in the last four elections, and VP Harris hopes to maintain that trend despite a narrow 0.6% lead for Trump, as shown by 270towin.
The winner of Nevada’s six electoral votes could very well decide the election.
7 States That Will Shape the 2024 US Presidency: What You Need to Know
