The 2024 US Presidential Election, held on November 5, marked one of the most closely watched and consequential elections in American history. Republican Donald Trump triumphed over Democrat Kamala Harris to reclaim the White House. Swing states played a pivotal role, with intense competition leading to dramatic outcomes. This article explores the election results, key events during the campaign, and the process leading to the declaration of the winner.
The Election Results: Trump Secures Victory
Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 US Presidential Election early on November 6. Key swing states such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania turned red, solidifying Trump’s lead. The Associated Press officially called the race at 2:30 am ET. Trump’s comeback marked his return to the Oval Office, four years after his 2020 defeat.
Kamala Harris, running as the Democratic nominee, conceded gracefully but warned against premature declarations of victory. Harris and her team advocated for patience during the ballot count in the remaining undecided states.
Swing States: The Game Changers
Swing states have always been critical in determining US presidential elections. In 2024, the battleground included Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Arizona. The results from these states significantly influenced the electoral college outcome:
- North Carolina was the first swing state called, awarding its delegates to Trump before midnight ET.
- Georgia and Pennsylvania soon followed, with both states declaring Republican victories in the early hours of November 6.
Despite early victories for Trump, other swing states like Arizona and Wisconsin remained too close to call, prolonging the counting process.
A Chaotic Election Day
The election day witnessed challenges beyond intense voter turnout. Bomb threats, later deemed non-credible, disrupted some polling places. Long queues caused frustration among voters, with many waiting hours to cast their ballots. Early and mail-in voting options had eased the burden slightly, but the issues highlighted the need for better election infrastructure.
The Campaign Drama: A Year of Surprises
The road to the 2024 election was tumultuous, with dramatic twists nearly every month:
- Trump’s Assassination Attempt: In July, Trump survived a shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania. Despite injuries, he continued his campaign, solidifying his resilience among supporters.
- Biden’s Withdrawal: President Joe Biden faced increasing scrutiny for his health and leadership capabilities, leading to his withdrawal in July. Vice President Kamala Harris then stepped in as the Democratic nominee.
- Harris vs. Trump Debates: The two candidates faced off in a single, highly charged presidential debate, showcasing contrasting visions for the country.
How Are Election Results Announced?
The winner of a US presidential election is typically declared on election night, barring delays. In 2024, the results were announced faster than in 2020, when delays due to mail-in voting pushed the announcement to five days after the election. By 2:30 am ET on November 6, Donald Trump had been declared the next president by major news outlets.
FAQs
- Who won the 2024 US Presidential Election?
Donald Trump won, defeating Kamala Harris. - Which states were key to Trump’s victory?
North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania were crucial swing states that turned red. - Were there any delays in announcing results?
Results were announced early on November 6, faster than in the 2020 election. - What challenges were faced during voting?
Bomb threats and long lines disrupted voting, but early and mail-in voting eased some pressures. - What were the campaign highlights?
Notable events included Trump surviving an assassination attempt and Biden withdrawing from the race.
