As the US presidential election approaches on November 5, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris find themselves locked in a tight race. With the candidates polling neck and neck, their campaigns are heavily focused on the crucial swing states that could determine the outcome of the election.
In US politics, states are often classified as “red” or “blue” based on their consistent support for Republican or Democratic candidates, respectively. However, swing states are not firmly aligned with either party and have the potential to “flip” in either direction. These battleground states receive the most attention during election campaigns, as the candidates invest time, money, and resources to secure victories in these pivotal regions. Approximately 240 million US voters are going to participate in the upcoming elections but the more power is in the hands of swing state voters.
According to The New York Times, Pennsylvania holds particular significance in this election, with its 19 electoral votes considered critical to both Trump’s and Harris’s path to victory. The state has been flooded with campaign ads, and both candidates have made frequent visits to sway undecided voters. Pennsylvania’s economy and rising grocery prices are major voter concerns, providing Trump with an opportunity to critique the Biden administration’s economic policies, which Harris defends.
Arizona, with 11 electoral votes, is another key battleground. Historically a Republican stronghold, Arizona narrowly voted Democratic in 2020, making it a focus in 2024. Immigration is a central issue in the state due to its shared border with Mexico. Trump has promised a large-scale deportation plan if re-elected, while Harris has had to defend her handling of the border under the Biden administration. Abortion rights are also a divisive topic, as state Republicans attempt to reinstate a near-total ban on the procedure.
Georgia, with 16 electoral votes, played a pivotal role in 2020 and remains a crucial swing state. Trump’s legal challenges over the 2020 election results and his ongoing indictment for alleged election interference in Fulton County have kept Georgia in the spotlight. Harris’s campaign is focused on engaging the state’s large African-American population, which was instrumental in Biden’s 2020 victory.
Michigan’s 15 electoral votes are up for grabs in a state with the nation’s largest Arab-American population. Discontent over US military aid to Israel and a broader backlash against Biden’s foreign policy may affect Harris’s chances. Trump has appealed to voters by emphasizing the importance of Israel in the broader geopolitical landscape.
With six electoral votes, Nevada’s economy is a primary concern for voters. While the national economy has shown growth, Nevada’s post-pandemic recovery has been slower. High unemployment rates and economic uncertainty have made Nevada voters more receptive to Trump’s promises of lower taxes and deregulation.
North Carolina, with 16 electoral votes, has become a hotly contested battleground. Trump’s recent rally in the state reflects its importance to his campaign, while Democrats are equally focused on winning the state. The race has tightened considerably, making it one of the key swing states in the election.
Wisconsin, with 10 electoral votes, is a critical state that both Trump and Harris are targeting. The presence of third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Green Party candidate Jill Stein could split the vote and influence the final result. Both major parties are keenly aware of Wisconsin’s importance, with campaign efforts ramping up in the final weeks.
As both campaigns enter the final stretch, the outcome of the election will likely be decided by voters in these key battleground states, making them the focal point of the 2024 race.
