The 2024 US Presidential Election has kicked off with early victories for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in their respective party strongholds. As millions of Americans turned out to vote, polls closed in seven key battleground states—Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada—though results in these critical states are yet to be finalized.
Trump secured Florida, a major swing state that has leaned more Republican in recent years. The former president also claimed victories in traditionally Republican states such as Texas, South Carolina, and Indiana. Meanwhile, Harris took home wins in Democratic strongholds, including New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
Experts suggest a close race, with Harris possibly holding a slight edge in battleground states like Pennsylvania. Throughout her campaign, Harris has promised tax cuts for the middle class, affordable housing, and women’s rights protections, emphasizing abortion rights as a critical issue.
Trump, meanwhile, campaigned on boosting the economy, reducing energy costs, imposing tariffs on foreign imports (notably from China), and initiating an immigration crackdown. Surveys indicate that top issues for voters included inflation, job security, healthcare, and economic stability.
In their final campaign events, Harris framed her vision as a fight for freedoms and rights, aiming for unity and healing division in the country. Trump, on the other hand, warned of what he described as a troubling future under Democratic leadership, suggesting he might contest the results if he doesn’t prevail.
As voting wrapped up, Harris planned to await results at Howard University in Washington, while Trump prepared to address supporters in Palm Beach, Florida, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Harris’ victory would mark a historic moment, making her the first woman, Black woman, and person of South Asian descent to assume the presidency.
With 538 electoral votes in total and 270 needed to win, swing states are set to play a decisive role. Should both candidates carry their usual party bases, Harris would still need 44 electoral votes, and Trump would need 51. The importance of swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin remains high as they could tip the balance.
Stay tuned for live updates on the US presidential election results as they unfold.
