As the U.S. heads toward the November 5 election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are campaigning heavily, especially in pivotal states where polling shows an extremely close race.
In the U.S., each of the 50 states holds its own presidential vote, with outcomes decided by the Electoral College system. The candidates compete to secure 270 of the 538 electoral votes, and a handful of “swing states” will likely decide this election.
Here’s a breakdown of the key states:
Pennsylvania: Traditionally a Democratic state, Pennsylvania has become highly contested. Trump narrowly won here in 2016, while Biden reclaimed it in 2020. This year, Harris has pitched manufacturing investments to the state, while Trump courts rural voters.
Georgia: Once a Republican stronghold, Georgia flipped for Biden in 2020, making it a critical battleground. Trump faces scrutiny for alleged interference in the 2020 election, though the case is delayed until after November. Harris focuses on mobilizing minority voters to maintain the state.
North Carolina: With a rapidly growing, diverse population, North Carolina could swing Democratic. Harris’s team believes the state’s population changes may shift it in her favor, especially as Republican leadership faces local controversies.
Michigan: Trump’s 2016 victory here marked a shift, but Biden reclaimed the state in 2020. Harris now faces challenges from Arab-American communities disappointed in her foreign policy positions but hopes to keep union support.
Arizona: Immigration is a key topic here. Harris visited recently to discuss border policies, aiming to win over Arizona voters as Trump emphasizes concerns about current immigration laws.
Wisconsin: A key Midwestern state, Wisconsin narrowly swung Democratic in 2020. Trump is fighting to regain it, while Harris is rallying her base for what’s expected to be a tight contest.
Nevada: Historically Democratic, Nevada is seeing a Republican surge, particularly among Hispanic voters. Harris has made gains by focusing on economic issues impacting small businesses and inflation.
These swing states will play a decisive role as Harris and Trump make their final appeals in what is shaping up to be one of the closest elections in U.S. history.
