- The 2024 presidential election in the United States involves a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with several states that will decide the winner crucial to the outcome
- Key swing states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan hold key electoral votes and are important to both candidates
- Georgia, a Republican stronghold, has changed demographics, making it competitive, while Arizona's changing political landscape offers opportunities for both.
- North Carolina and Nevada are emerging as the most important, with Harris narrowing the gap in North Carolina
The 2024 presidential election in the country United States is becoming one of the most competitive races in recent history.
Source: UGC
Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump they are against each other in many opinion polls.
Unlike states considered traditionally safe states for Democratic and Republican candidates with strong partisan leanings.
Also known as swing states, battleground states are generally understood to be those where voters are most likely to support either the Democratic or Republican candidate.
These states often have narrow margins of victory, which could affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
1. Pennsylvania
With 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania has significant electoral strength and has a record of favoring both Democrats and Republicans.
Pennsylvania, which was crucial to Trump's victory in 2016, was returned by the President Joe Biden in 2020.
Both candidates are vying for support in Pennsylvania because of their large working-class and suburban voter base, where issues such as health and the economy are important.
The fact that the two candidates are currently on the margin of error in the election shows how important this is to both campaigns.
2. Michigan
Another “blue wall” state that has a change of parties in options behind is Michigan, with 15 electoral votes.
Trump's surprise victory in Michigan in 2016 ended the Democratic Party's winning streak that began in 1992.
But Biden's victory here in 2020 showed how strong the Democratic base is in places like Detroit.
While Trump focuses on economic programs targeted at the state's industrial workers, Harris focuses on mobilizing urban and African-American voters; two groups that are important for Democratic victory.
3. Georgia
Georgia has always been a Republican state, but the demographics have changed dramatically, making it a competitive field with 16 electoral votes.
Biden won Georgia in 2020, the first time a Democrat has won the state since 1992.
This year's election is just around the corner, with Trump and Harris campaigning hard to appeal to urban and minority voters.
Voting rights and economic policies, especially inflation and the cost of living, are big issues in Georgia.
4. Arizona
Arizona has been a hot spot for both campaigns, with its 11 electoral votes currently considered to be reached by each party.
In 2020, Biden's victory in Arizona marked a shift in the historic Republican stronghold.
Both candidates are campaigning hard in Arizona, targeting the growing Hispanic population, which could be important.
Immigration, health care and public safety are all important issues in the state, and any miscalculation can have far-reaching consequences.
Trump has a modest lead in Arizona, but Harris is polling closely, making the state crucial for both.
5. North Carolina
North Carolina's 16 electoral votes have repeatedly drawn national attention as both parties vie for control of the Southern state.
Trump won the state in 2016 and 2020, but according to current polls, Harris has narrowed the margin.
North Carolina is a closely contested battleground because of its diverse demographics, which include several African-American minorities and a growing number of urban and college-educated voters.
6. Nevada
Nevada's six electoral votes are fewer than those of other battleground states, but they are just as important.
The state has been undemocratic in recent elections, with both Hillary Clinton and Biden winning, but the state remains competitive.
The pandemic took a toll on Nevada's economy, which is primarily based on tourism and the service industry. Issues such as economic recovery and health care remain top priorities for voters.
Harris is leading by a narrow margin in Nevada, but Trump's emphasis on economic concerns could be compounded, tipping undecided voters in his favor.
7. Wisconsin
Wisconsin has ten electoral votes and has been closely contested in recent elections.
Trump won Wisconsin in 2016, but Biden won by a narrow margin in 2020, making it a focus of both campaigns.
Wisconsin has a diverse electorate that can be influenced by agricultural and economic policies because of the large percentage of rural voters and urban areas like Milwaukee.
Recent polls show that Harris is leading Trump by a small margin, but the state is still being taken.
Why these states matter to American politics
The importance of these battleground states cannot be overemphasized.
The United States uses the Electoral College system, which requires a candidate to get at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Although a candidate may win the popular vote, the distribution of electoral votes in these battleground states determines the outcome.
Winning Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, known as the “blue wall” states, could guarantee victory for Harris, while gains in the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina could push Trump over the finish line.
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