The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election has culminated with former President Donald Trump once again assuming the role of Commander-in-Chief, defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. The election, held on November 5, 2024, saw Trump flipping key swing states including Georgia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, securing himself enough votes in the Electoral College to claim victory with 277 electoral votes according to the Associated Press.
This election wasn't just about the presidency; it involved voters deciding on Congressional seats, gubernatorial positions, and important ballot measures across the nation. Reports from various news outlets, including ABC News and NBC News, provided live updates and detailed analyses as the results poured in.
Trump's win wasn't just another political comeback; it marked his historic return to the White House as the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. His victory speech celebrated this momentous achievement and hinted toward future policies as he seeks to unite the Republican Party.
Despite facing several legal challenges, including two indictments earlier in the year, Trump's campaign proved resilient. Supporters rallied behind him as he focused on issues such as inflation, border security, and energy independence, which he emphasized during his campaign trail. These key focal points, particularly fracking and energy jobs, significantly appealed to voters from states rich in natural resources.
Trump's strategy of broadening his base appeared successful, especially among traditionally Democratic voting blocs. Polls suggested he captured approximately 20% of the Black vote—a notable increase from 12% during his previous campaign. His outreach efforts also extended to Latino communities, where he secured more votes than he did four years earlier.
Trump's policy stance on reproductive rights, shaped by the controversial Supreme Court overturning of Roe v. Wade, influenced many voters, particularly women. Harris and her campaign drew attention to this issue, aiming to create clear distinctions between their values and Trump’s approaches. Nevertheless, exit polls indicated Harris gained the support of only 54% of women voters, down from Biden's 57% in 2020, raising questions about the effectiveness of her campaign's messaging.
Age demographics also significantly informed the election results. Among voters under 30, Harris's support fell compared to past elections, with only about half backing her. This demographic tilting toward Trump (over 40% supporting him) painted another picture of changing electoral dynamics.
On the legislative front, the elections resulted in Republican control of the Senate, ending years of Democratic leadership. Trump’s party gained ground by flipping over two seats, bringing significant shifts to Senate dynamics. Republican Bernie Moreno secured Ohio's Senate seat, and Republican Jim Justice took the seat formerly held by retiring Independent Senator Joe Manchin. This newfound leverage is likely to influence Trump’s governance as he attempts to pass his agenda.
The results from battleground states were revelatory, with voters casting their ballots for Trump primarily due to rising inflation and amplifying concerns surrounding the economy. Pennsylvania was deemed the biggest prize with its 19 electoral votes, and Trump’s success there signaled his stronghold over the state's predominantly blue-collar voters.
The voting patterns revealed by exit polls laid bare several contrasted sentiments concerning Trump's policies among different racial and gender demographics. Particularly, older voters were divided, with Trump witnessing declines among those over 65 compared to previous elections.
News outlets covered significant moments from election night, with updates on various races still pending. The American public witnessed chaotic scenes across voting locations, with reports highlighting substantial voter turnout and operational challenges. Notably, Milwaukee experienced exceptionally high turnout, resulting in delayed results as officials struggled to process ballots.
Despite facing severe backlash over his presidency, Trump's campaign's emotional and strategic appeals seem to have edged him closer to rekindling the fervor of 2016, capturing the imagination of his supporters who still believe fervently in his messages.
While Democrats were left grappling with the underperformance of their candidates down-ballot, election night faced scrutiny as voters reveled both at Trump's comeback and Harris’s premature ending of her victory address to supporters.
Looking forward, the future of the Republican Party under Trump will be closely monitored, especially as he seeks to reconcile with conservative factions, which sometimes diverged during his first term. How well he manages the party's dynamics could dictate the political climate heading toward the 2026 midterms.
Overall, the 2024 election reaffirms Trump's persistent influence over American politics, leaving many to ponder the broader ramifications of his anticipated policies and the party's direction moving forward.
