Which U.S. States Did Trump, Harris Win?
Former President Donald J. Trump has won the 2024 presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in a hotly contested race.
Trump has secured and surpassed the necessary 270 electoral votes to reclaim the presidency, marking a historic comeback four years after leaving office. But which states did each of the candidates win?
The Electoral Map
As of the latest count, Trump has secured 292 electoral votes to Harris's 224, with Alaska's 3 electoral votes still outstanding. The former president's path to victory was paved through crucial wins in several battleground states that proved decisive in the final tally.
Trump's victories came in the following states:
Alabama (9), Arkansas (6), Florida (30), Georgia (16), Idaho (4), Indiana (11), Iowa (6), Kansas (6), Kentucky (8), Louisiana (8), Maine's 2nd Congressional District (1), Michigan (15), Mississippi (6), Missouri (10), Montana (4), Nebraska (4 out of 5), North Carolina (16), North Dakota (3), Ohio (17), Oklahoma (7), Pennsylvania (19), South Carolina (9), South Dakota (3), Tennessee (11), Texas (40), Utah (6), West Virginia (4), Wisconsin (10), and Wyoming (3).
Harris, on the other hand, secured wins in:
California (54), Colorado (10), Connecticut (7), Delaware (3), District of Columbia (3), Hawaii (4), Illinois (19), Maine (3 out of 4), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (11), Minnesota (10), Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District (1), New Hampshire (4), New Jersey (14), New Mexico (5), New York (28), Oregon (8), Rhode Island (4), Vermont (3), Virginia (13), and Washington (12).
Key Battleground States
The election was ultimately decided in a handful of crucial swing states that both campaigns had targeted heavily in the final weeks of the campaign.
Florida (30 electoral votes)
Trump's victory in Florida, with its 30 electoral votes, set the tone for the evening. The state has increasingly trended Republican in recent years, and Trump's message on the economy and immigration resonated strongly with voters in the Sunshine State.
Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes)
Perhaps the most critical win for Trump came in Pennsylvania, which he narrowly lost in 2020. His victory here, by a margin of less than 1%, was attributed to his strong messaging on economic issues and promises to revitalize American manufacturing.
Michigan (15 electoral votes)
Trump's ability to flip Michigan back to the Republican column was a significant blow to Harris's campaign. The state, part of the former "blue wall," had been a target of intense campaigning from both sides.
Wisconsin (10 electoral votes)
Continuing his sweep of the Upper Midwest, Trump secured a narrow victory in Wisconsin, further cementing his path to 270 electoral votes.
Georgia (16 electoral votes)
In a repeat of his 2016 performance, Trump held onto Georgia, despite the state's recent trend towards the Democrats. This win was seen as a testament to the effectiveness of Republican-led voting law changes and aggressive get-out-the-vote efforts.
North Carolina (16 electoral votes)
Trump's victory in North Carolina, while expected by many pollsters, provided a crucial boost to his electoral count and demonstrated his continued strength in the Southeast.
Harris's Strong Showing in Traditional Democratic Strongholds
Despite her loss, Harris performed strongly in traditional Democratic strongholds, securing large margins of victory in states like California, New York, and Illinois. Her campaign's focus on issues such as healthcare, climate change, and social justice resonated with urban and suburban voters in these areas.
Factors Contributing to Trump's Victory
Several key factors contributed to Trump's successful return to the White House.
1. Economic Messaging: Trump's campaign heavily emphasized economic recovery and job creation, which resonated with voters still concerned about inflation and financial stability.
2. Immigration: The ongoing challenges at the southern border played into Trump's hands, allowing him to revive his 2016 campaign promises of stricter immigration policies.
3. Law and Order: Trump's tough stance on crime and support for law enforcement appealed to voters concerned about public safety, especially in suburban areas.
4. Voter Turnout: The Trump campaign's ground game proved highly effective, mobilizing his base in key states and driving high turnout among rural and working-class white voters.
5. Debates: Trump's performance in the presidential debates was seen as strong by his supporters, potentially swaying undecided voters in the final weeks of the campaign.
Harris's Concession and the Democratic Response
As the results became clear in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Vice President Harris addressed her supporters at a somber gathering in Washington, D.C. In a somber speech, Harris conceded the race to Trump while emphasizing the historic nature of her candidacy as the first woman and person of color to be a major party's presidential nominee.
"While tonight's result is not what we hoped for, we have broken barriers and inspired millions," Harris said. "Our fight for a more perfect union does not end here. We must remain committed to the values that define us as Americans: democracy, equality, and justice for all."
Democratic leaders, while expressing disappointment in the outcome, called for unity and respect for the democratic process. Many emphasized the need for the party to regroup and focus on the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.
Trump's Victory Speech and Future Plans
In stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere at Harris' event, the scene at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida was one of jubilation. Surrounded by family members and key allies, Trump took to the stage to deliver a characteristically bombastic victory speech.
"This is a great day for America," Trump declared to thunderous applause. "We have taken our country back from the radical left, and we will make America greater than ever before. The forgotten men and women of this country will be forgotten no more."
Trump's speech touched on familiar themes from his campaign, including promises to secure the border, revitalize the economy, and challenge what he called the "deep state" in Washington. He also struck a note of reconciliation, albeit briefly, calling for national unity in the face of global challenges.
Looking ahead, Trump outlined some of his priorities for his second term, including:
1. Implementing stricter immigration policies and completing the border wall
2. Renegotiating international trade deals to favor American workers
3. Expanding domestic energy production, including fossil fuels
4. Appointing conservative judges to federal courts and potentially the Supreme Court
5. Rolling back regulations on businesses and industry
Challenges Ahead
As Trump prepares to return to the White House, he faces a host of challenges both domestic and international.
1. A Divided Nation: The close election results highlight the deep political polarization in America. Trump will need to find ways to govern effectively in a highly charged partisan environment.
2. Economic Pressures: With inflation concerns lingering and fears of a potential recession, Trump's economic policies will be under intense scrutiny.
3. Foreign Policy: Trump's "America First" approach is likely to face resistance from traditional allies, while adversaries may seek to test the new administration early on.
4. Climate Change: Trump's skepticism towards climate science and international agreements like the Paris Accord sets the stage for potential conflicts with other nations and environmental advocates.
5. Legal Challenges: Trump enters office facing numerous ongoing legal investigations and lawsuits, which could complicate his ability to govern effectively.