With just days to go until the U.S. presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are locked in one of the closest races in recent American history. This contest, set for November 5, is razor-thin in the key battleground states that often decide the presidency.
In the U.S., each state holds its own election under the rules established by the Constitution. The process hinges on the Electoral College, where each state is assigned “electors” based on population. In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote gets all of that state’s electoral votes. A candidate needs at least 270 of the 538 available votes to win the presidency, making “swing states” crucial in close elections. This year, the election spotlight is on seven battleground states, each offering tight margins that make them highly contested.
Pennsylvania: The Keystone State’s High Stakes
Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is one of the largest swing states. Once reliably Democratic, it has become fiercely competitive. Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016 by a narrow 0.7%, but Biden flipped it in 2020 with a 1.2% lead. This state, known for industrial cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, has seen a decline in manufacturing, making economic recovery a top issue. Trump is appealing to rural voters, raising concerns about immigration, while Harris promotes recent federal investments in infrastructure and plans to boost local manufacturing, including a $100 billion proposal in Pittsburgh.
Georgia: A State Steeped in Controversy
In Georgia, which holds 16 electoral votes, Trump’s efforts to challenge his 2020 loss led to a high-profile election interference case. However, the trial is paused until after the election. Biden’s 2020 win marked the first Democratic victory in Georgia since 1992, signaling changing demographics that favor Harris. She’s actively engaging minority communities in Georgia, hoping to solidify support.
North Carolina: A Close Call for Both Sides
North Carolina’s population growth and diversity are making this 16-vote state more competitive. Harris is optimistic about flipping it, while Trump faces an unexpected hurdle: a scandal involving the state’s Republican gubernatorial candidate that’s causing tension within the party. Additionally, the recent damage from Hurricane Helene could impact voter turnout, adding uncertainty to this close race.
Michigan: A Test of Union Support
Michigan, with 15 electoral votes, is a former Democratic stronghold that Trump managed to flip in 2016. Biden won it back in 2020, relying on union workers and a strong turnout among Black voters. However, Harris is facing new challenges in Michigan. Many Arab-American voters, a sizable community in the state, have criticized Biden and Harris for their handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which could affect her support in this crucial battleground.
Arizona: Immigration Issues on the Ballot
In Arizona, a state with 11 electoral votes, immigration is a pressing issue. Biden narrowly won here in 2020, but Trump hopes to win back support by emphasizing concerns over the current administration’s border policies. Harris recently visited Arizona’s border, promising stricter immigration control and a renewed push for bipartisan legislation, contrasting her approach with Trump’s previous handling of the issue.
Wisconsin: A Midwest Battleground
Wisconsin, with its 10 electoral votes, has a history of tight election outcomes. Trump won here in 2016, but Biden took it back in 2020. Harris and Trump are now in a heated contest, with both sides pouring resources into this state. Trump started strong, but Harris’s campaign efforts have made this race increasingly competitive.
Nevada: Harris Closes the Gap
With only six electoral votes, Nevada may be small but could make a big impact. Trump has recently gained support from Hispanic voters, bolstering his numbers. Harris, however, has been closing in, focusing on plans to boost small businesses and curb inflation. Nevada’s largest city, Las Vegas, where the economy relies on the hospitality industry, has responded well to her economic proposals, narrowing Trump’s lead.
As the election nears, these battleground states hold the key to victory for either candidate. With polls showing a near-deadlock, Harris and Trump are racing to make their final case, knowing that every vote in these critical states could decide who takes the White House.
