Swing states election results highlights: Trump flips Pennsylvania, Georgia; wins North Carolina, Wisconsin; Elected 47th US President

For Trump, the presidency may prove not only a political comeback but a powerful shield against a complex and unprecedented web of legal challenges.

Former President Donald Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania, where he led by 175,000 votes at the time the race was called, marks a crucial turning point in the 2024 election. Trump made significant inroads in areas like Philadelphia and its suburbs, where he reduced Democratic margins, and expanded his share of the vote in other parts of the state compared to his performance against Joe Biden in 2020. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, underperformed relative to Biden's 2020 showing, especially in numerous counties across Pennsylvania.

Trump’s win in Pennsylvania brings him within striking distance of the presidency, putting him just three electoral votes away from securing the White House. With Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes in his column, Trump’s path to victory now hinges on capturing Alaska or any of the remaining swing states, further heightening the stakes of the ongoing election.

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The battleground states of Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada are set to play a pivotal role in the 2024 US presidential election, with possible delays anticipated in announcing the final results. As polling stations prepare to close, high voter turnout is being reported, driven by intense last-minute campaigning efforts from both candidates, Harris and Trump.

Battleground states analysis:

Pennsylvania

Former President Donald Trump secured a pivotal victory in Pennsylvania today, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in a highly contested race for the state’s 19 electoral votes. Both candidates made Pennsylvania a key battleground, with frequent visits and campaign efforts, making it one of the most visited states in the election cycle. Trump's win in Pennsylvania marks a significant reversal from the 2020 election, when Democrat Joe Biden flipped the state in his favor, securing it as part of his path to the presidency.

This victory is particularly notable, as no Democrat has won the White House without also securing Pennsylvania since 1948. Trump’s success in the state was declared by the Associated Press at 2:24 a.m. EST, further solidifying his position as a strong contender in the race.

Georgia

Trump won the swing state of Georgia on Wednesday, securing its 16 electoral votes for the Republican Party. Although Joe Biden narrowly won Georgia in 2020, Republicans have dominated every other presidential race in the state since 1996. Trump had previously attempted to overturn his 2020 loss in Georgia, triggering a political and legal battle that led to his indictment. Despite having two Democratic US senators, Trump's victory highlights Georgia's continued Republican lean. The Associated Press declared Trump the winner at 12:58 a.m. EST.

Trump’s win in this swing state marks the first state to flip from the 2020 election results. He had narrowly lost the state to Biden by 11,779 votes four years ago - a figure that became iconic after Trump urged Georgia election officials to help him “find” enough votes to surpass Biden. This request led to a criminal indictment against Trump in Georgia on racketeering charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Known for its changing demographics, Georgia allows recounts if the margin is below 0.5 percent.

North Carolina 

Trump won the key battleground state of North Carolina, securing its 16 electoral votes over Democratic nominee Harris. Despite hopes from Democrats that increased campaign spending, canvassing efforts, and Harris rallies might flip the state, Trump maintained his previous support, having also won North Carolina in 2016 and 2020.

Democrats had attempted to tie Trump to the controversies surrounding Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, but Trump’s frequent visits with running mate JD Vance focused on a protectionist economic stance and tough promises on immigration and border security.

The Associated Press declared Trump the winner in North Carolina, at 11:18 p.m. EST, as he led by over 130,000 votes with nearly 90 percent of votes counted. Voter turnout had risen in many of the areas Trump was winning, while it declined in regions favoring Harris. This outcome builds on his 2020 win over Biden in the state, where he had a margin of less than 2 percentage points.

Michigan 

Michigan’s 15 electoral votes are crucial for Harris’s path to victory. While early voting changes may help expedite results, recounts remain possible if the final margin is within 1 percent. Polls are closing in the state, and initial returns often lean Republican due to delayed reporting from Wayne County, home to Detroit and a Democratic stronghold. However, earlier processing of mailed ballots this year is expected to speed up the count and may reduce delays.

Arizona 

A key Sun Belt state with 11 electoral votes, Arizona could initially favor Harris due to early and mail-in ballots. However, any late-arriving Election Day ballots, traditionally Republican-leaning, may delay the count.

Wisconsin

Former President Donald Trump claimed victory in the key battleground state of Wisconsin on Wednesday, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and securing 10 critical Electoral College votes. This marks a significant comeback for Trump, who narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016—becoming the first Republican since Ronald Reagan to do so—but lost the state to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Both Trump and Harris heavily focused their campaigns on Wisconsin. Back in 2020, Trump attempted to challenge his loss through lawsuits and recount efforts, though unsuccessfully. This state has been pivotal in recent elections and was the deciding factor again in 2024.

Nevada

Nevada’s small but diverse electorate presents unique challenges, with nonpartisan voters often influencing close races. The state allows mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be received up to four days later, which could delay the outcome.

Polling has shown a razor-thin race between Vice President Harris, the Democratic nominee, and Trump, the 78-year-old Republican contender who would be the oldest president at the inauguration and the first convicted felon to hold the office.

If elected, Harris, 60, would also become the second Black and the first South Asian president. Her entry into the race was dramatic - she stepped in after President Joe Biden withdrew in July. Trump, a twice-impeached former president, has campaigned through two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction.

As polls close, the world watches the US election unfold in real time. Both candidates face the possibility of recounts, contested results, and heightened security concerns, setting the stage for what could be a prolonged wait for the final decision.