The 2024 Presidential Election has taken quite the turn, showcasing the political tides shifting dramatically. Donald Trump is projected to have emerged victorious, flipping key battleground states—namely Nevada and Arizona—that had previously supported Joe Biden back in 2020. This unexpected swing not only highlights Trump's resilient support among voters but also presents challenges for the Democratic Party as they grapple with shifting allegiances.
On election night, early Saturday morning, the results from Nevada rolled in, declaring Trump as the winner with 50.7% of the vote to Vice President Kamala Harris's 47.4%. This victory was significant as Nevada had backed Biden during the last election. Trump’s success signals not just personal acclaim but points to the changing demographics and shifting political preferences within the state. It also marks the first time since 2004 that a Republican candidate has won Nevada.
Experts suggest the Republican Party has made important strides with Latino voters, who make up around 20% of registered voters in Nevada. Harris and Trump fiercely competed for this demographic, especially focusing on working-class voters and culinary unions, known for their pivotal influence. During the run-up to the election, both candidates advocated for policies against taxes on tips, which directly affect many workers within the hospitality industry.
But Nevada wasn't the only state seeing seismic shifts. Trump was also projected to win Arizona, another state he lost in the 2020 elections. His campaign effectively capitalized on immigration and border security—issues particularly salient for voters in this southern state. By promising additional funding for border patrol and highlighting his previous promises of building the border wall, Trump managed to resonate with Arizonans concerned about crime and illegal immigration.
With the latest projections, Trump’s victory margin was around 52.6% against Harris's 46.4%, proving once again the fluid nature of voter loyalty and party affiliation. This win adds 11 electoral votes to Trump's count, bringing his total to 312, whereas Harris would finish with 226 electoral votes. To put it simply, Trump now holds 42 more electoral votes than the required 270 needed to reclaim the White House.
Arizona’s transformation from blue back to red is particularly notable. Once perceived as leaning more Democratic, the state—home to the fourth largest Hispanic voter population—has seen a gradual shift, with Trump gaining traction this election. It was only in 2020 when Biden narrowly edged out Trump by about 10,457 votes, making it seem like Arizona had turned the corner permanently.
The 2024 election was mostly characterized by voter polarization and key issues driving the electorate. Data showed Trump securing the support of voters primarily concerned about the economy and immigration, whereas Harris found favor among those prioritizing abortion rights and safeguarding democracy. These competing priorities made for fierce competition and relentless campaigning.
With the election results from the Senate also coming to light, it’s worth noting the dynamic political climate under these developments. Democratic incumbent Senator Jacky Rosen's race was called early on election night, where she managed to secure 47.8% against Republican Sam Brown, who garnered 46.4%. This adds intrigue to the narrative, showcasing how states can go green on one political spectrum and red on another.
Beyond Trump and Biden, all eyes were on Arizona's Senate race where Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego was squaring off against Republican Kari Lake. With 81.6% of the vote reported, Gallego was leading by 49.5% to Lake's 48.4%. Gallego, who has associated himself with Israeli politics and military service, showed substantial support leading up to the elections but faced stiff competition from Lake, who was known for her controversial candidacy and television personality.
Reflecting on these victories, much will now depend on how the Trump campaign chooses to govern moving forward, especially if he faces opposition from within the Republican Party itself. The Democrats will need to reassess their strategies, particularly as they start to map out priorities leading to the future elections. How will they regain the trust of voters who flipped their allegiance?
With transition talks heating up, there remain many inquiries about the composition of Trump's team moving forward and what policies he will prioritize upon retaking office. After four tumultuous years with significant unrest, can Trump consolidate the kind of governance to provide stability and faith among the American populace?
The political atmosphere is undeniably volatile, and the results from Nevada and Arizona will ripple through both state and national politics for years to come. With the election just past and the lessons still to be analyzed, observers anticipate how each party will recalibrate their messages to engage with the shifting political currents shaping America.
