Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris: How are swing states performing

A short explainer on how Swing states have voted in the past and what the state of race looks like this year for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election unfolds, all eyes are on seven critical battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states have historically played decisive roles in determining the outcome of elections due to their tendency to swing between Democratic and Republican candidates.

Stickers are seen in a voting tent on the day of the US presidential election, on November 5, 2024 in Burnsville, North Carolina. Election Day voting began on November 5, 2024 after an extraordinary -- and for many unnerving -- US presidential race that will either make Kamala Harris the first woman president in the country's history or hand Donald Trump a comeback that sends shock waves around the world. (Photo by Allison Joyce / AFP)(AFP)

Latest update on Swing States at 9pm ET

In Georgia, with 77% of the votes counted, Donald Trump holds a lead over Kamala Harris, standing at 52% to her 47%. The state, known for its pivotal role in elections, has seen a record turnout with over five million votes expected.

In Red leaning North Carolina with 55% votes in Trump is enjoying a 51% vs 48% lead.

With just 13% votes Kamala is curently leading in Michigan with 53% votes against 45% for Trump

Kamala is currently leading the state of Pennsylvania after 31% votes counted with a margin of 5%

With 13% votes Michigan too is favouring Kamala Harris with a 53% vs 45% vote share, so is Wisconsin with 22% votes (50% for Kamala and 48% for Trump)

Arizona (11 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context:

Arizona has oscillated between the two major parties over the last two decades. After solidly supporting Republican candidates from 2000 to 2016, it flipped to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 by a narrow margin.

Georgia (16 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context:

Georgia traditionally leaned Republican but witnessed a pivotal shift in 2020 when Biden won, marking the first Democratic victory since 1992.

Michigan (15 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context

Once part of the Democratic "blue wall," Michigan flipped to Trump in 2016, only to revert to Biden in 2020.

Nevada (6 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context:

Nevada has leaned Democratic in recent elections, supporting Obama and Clinton before Biden.

North Carolina (16 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context:

North Carolina has been a consistent Republican stronghold, except for Obama’s 2008 win.

Pennsylvania (19 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context:

A key battleground, Pennsylvania swung from Obama to Trump in 2016, then back to Biden in 2020.

Wisconsin (10 Electoral Votes)

Historical Context

Wisconsin flipped to Trump in 2016 and then to Biden in 2020, with razor-thin margins in both elections.

Swing States: The Decisive Factor

These battleground states are pivotal in shaping the electoral map. Their combined electoral votes (93) could easily swing the election either way. Historically, close contests in these states have underscored their importance. For example, the 2000 election hinged on Florida’s 25 electoral votes, illustrating how a few key states can determine the presidency.

As the nation approaches Election Day, the dynamics in these swing states remain fluid. Historical voting patterns, current polling, and local issues will all play significant roles in shaping the final outcome. Both candidates are focusing their efforts on these states, with the understanding that winning a majority of them is crucial for securing the presidency.