Republican candidate Donald Trump has gained momentum in the 2024 presidential election, securing a crucial victory in the battleground state of North Carolina. This win propels him one step closer to achieving what many considered an improbable political comeback. While the outcome remains uncertain in several other key states, Trump’s strong performance across the country has intensified the race.
As of late Tuesday night, Trump had garnered 227 Electoral College votes, while Democratic challenger Kamala Harris stood at 165. A candidate needs a minimum of 270 Electoral College votes to claim the presidency. The race is expected to be decided in the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where Harris currently trails. However, Decision Desk HQ has projected a Trump win in Georgia, further narrowing the path to victory for Harris.
Exit polls reveal significant factors contributing to Trump’s success. He has successfully appealed to a broader demographic, particularly gaining traction among Hispanic voters – traditionally a Democratic base. Notably, he garnered 45% of the Hispanic vote nationwide, marking a 13-point increase from the 2020 election, though he still trails Harris by 8 percentage points in this demographic.
Economic concerns have played a pivotal role in shaping voters’ choices. Trump has resonated strongly with those feeling the strain of rising prices, particularly lower-income households. Exit polls indicate that voters prioritizing the economy overwhelmingly favored Trump, especially those experiencing a decline in their financial situation compared to four years ago. Nearly 31% of voters listed the economy as their top issue, favoring Trump by a significant margin of 79% to 20%. Additionally, 45% of voters nationwide indicated their family’s financial situation was worse than in 2020, with this group leaning heavily towards Trump by an 80% to 17% margin.
The race for the White House remains fiercely competitive. With the outcome hanging in the balance, the nation awaits the final results from the key battleground states, which will determine the fate of the 2024 presidential election.
