US Presidential Election: Former President Donald Trump leads the 2024 presidential race as key battleground states shift in his favour. Trump has secured crucial wins in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arkansas, strengthening his position. With 230 electoral votes, Trump now holds a narrow lead over Vice President Kamala Harris, who has earned 210 votes. These results highlight a shift in traditionally Democratic states now leaning Republican.
Key Battlegrounds at Play
A critical swing state, Georgia has flipped red, with Trump narrowly defeating Harris. Trump earned 50.9% of the vote, while Harris secured 48.4%. This marks a significant shift from the 2020 election when Joe Biden narrowly won Georgia. Despite Georgia’s Democratic tilt in recent years, Trump’s victory shows the state’s changing political landscape. However, the narrow margin indicates Georgia’s electorate remains volatile.
Trump has firmly taken control in North Carolina, winning 15 electoral votes. This is a decisive win for Trump after his success in South Carolina and Arkansas. He also maintained his lead in Iowa, which has become more Republican recently, adding six more electoral votes to his total. Trump performs well in other swing states, such as Arizona and Michigan. 
Meanwhile, Harris secured a win in New Mexico, gaining five electoral votes. Despite not visiting the state, Harris performed well in its larger urban areas, which outweighed the conservative rural vote.
Harris’ Strongholds
Harris also triumphed in several Democratic strongholds. She secured victories in New York, California, Vermont, and Maryland. California delivered 54 electoral votes to Harris, a crucial win for her campaign. Hawaii also supported Harris, granting her four electoral votes. These states have historically backed Democratic candidates, making California’s size particularly important.
Harris’s success also extended to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where she won its four electoral votes. She quickly claimed 14 electoral votes in New Jersey, further solidifying her lead in these traditional blue states.
Read more: US Election 2024 Results: Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Trump’s Path to Victory Expands.
US Presidential Election: Disruptions in Georgia
Georgia has faced significant disruptions during the US Presidential Election, including bomb threats at several polling stations. The FBI traced these threats to Russian interference, though no explosives were found. Despite the scare, voting continued, and authorities extended voting hours to ensure a smooth process. This disruption has raised concerns over the integrity of the election in this crucial state. However, early voting results show a narrow lead for Trump, with minimal impact on his performance.
GOP Takes Senate Majority
Republicans have reclaimed control of the Senate for the first time in six years. The GOP flipped two Democratic seats in West Virginia and Ohio. In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown lost his seat, while independent Senator Joe Manchin, who left the Democratic Party earlier this year, is still caucusing with the Democrats. This shift has handed Republicans a majority in the Senate, which will be crucial for the upcoming 2025 legislative session.
Allegations of Voter Fraud in Philadelphia
As the race heats up, Trump has once again claimed widespread voter fraud in Philadelphia, alleging the city’s US Presidential Election process is rigged to favour Harris. Local authorities have quickly dismissed these allegations, asserting no evidence of irregularities. The claims have sparked debate, with Trump’s supporters calling for an investigation, while critics argue the accusations undermine the election’s credibility.
US Presidential Election: Record Voter Turnout
Voter turnout has surged to record highs in several states, particularly Pennsylvania and Georgia. Younger and more diverse voters are making their voices heard, reflecting the high stakes of this election. Early reports indicate that many historically underrepresented communities are voting in record numbers.
As polling stations remain open, the race between Trump and Harris unfolds. Both candidates are focused on securing victories in critical battlegrounds in the coming days. The outcome remains uncertain, with crucial states still in play.
