In the upcoming 2024 presidential election, there are seven states that are considered crucial battlegrounds, where either candidate could potentially secure a victory. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have been directing their campaign efforts towards these key states.
The Blue Wall States
Three Midwestern battleground states, known as 'the blue wall,' are Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states, which have a history of being manufacturing and union-heavy, were traditionally Democratic but have seen shifts in recent years due to changing demographics and Trump's appeal to White voters without a college degree.
In the 2016 election, Trump won all three of these states, while in 2020, Joe Biden emerged victorious in all three. Winning these states could be crucial for Harris in securing the necessary electoral votes to become president. Polls indicate close races in all three states, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout and Harris's appeal to suburban women and Black voters.
The Sun Belt Battlegrounds
Four Sun Belt battleground states with growing populations include Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia. Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina were previously considered Republican strongholds, but recent elections have shown a shift towards the Democrats. Biden's wins in Georgia and Arizona in 2020 marked significant victories for the Democratic Party in these traditionally red states.
The Unique Case of Nebraska
Nebraska stands out as a unique battleground state due to its electoral vote allocation system. While most states award all their electoral votes to the overall winner, Nebraska and Maine distribute votes by congressional district. The state of Nebraska is typically safe territory for Trump, but the congressional district around Omaha is a battleground that could potentially sway the outcome of a close race.
It's worth noting that Maine follows a similar system, with Trump having the opportunity to secure a single electoral vote in the state.
As the 2024 election approaches, these battleground states will play a crucial role in determining the next president of the United States.
