In a major development in the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump has emerged victorious in North Carolina, claiming the state’s 16 electoral votes. The victory comes with a substantial lead over Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape of the state.
With nearly 94% of expected votes counted, Trump’s lead stands at over 195,000 votes, or 3.6 percentage points, according to projections by the Associated Press. This margin signifies a more decisive win compared to his 2020 victory in North Carolina, where he secured victory by less than 2 percentage points.
Election officials have reported a noticeable increase in voter turnout in regions where Trump performed well. Conversely, districts favoring Harris witnessed a decline in voter participation. This pattern highlights a significant shift from previous voting trends in the state, adding another layer of intrigue to the race.
The announcement of Trump’s triumph in North Carolina sparked immediate celebrations at his election watch party. Supporters erupted in cheers, with some pumping their fists in the air and others jumping in excitement as the results appeared on screen. The crowd began chanting “fight, fight, fight” as the AP projection was confirmed.
Beyond the immediate celebrations, the North Carolina results have also sparked significant movement in the prediction market, Polymarket. This platform, which has processed over $3.5 billion in election-related trading volume, now reflects a strong sentiment favoring Trump’s overall victory.
The current market sentiment places Trump at 97% and Harris at 3.4% in presidential odds. Traders on the platform strongly anticipate that the Associated Press will finalize its election call by Wednesday, November 6, assigning an 82% probability to this outcome.
The race for the presidency continues as votes are being counted in other states across the country. North Carolina’s results mark just one step in the path to securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
As the election unfolds, the outcome in North Carolina serves as a critical indicator of the broader national trend and offers valuable insights into the political forces shaping the future of the United States.
