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US elections 2024: Why seven “purple states” are the key to the White House

Posted on by Kennedy
US elections 2024: Why seven “purple states” are the key to the White House

US elections 2024: Why seven “purple states” are the key to the White House

Voting will take place on November 5th in all 50 states in the US, but experts have identified seven key states, often referred to as “Swing states' or 'purple states“, which are crucial for the outcome of the presidential election campaign between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
These battlegrounds — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — have a combined 93 electoral votes, making them crucial to each candidate's path to the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency.

The importance of these states lies in their historical voting patterns and their potential to switch between Democratic and Republican candidates.
For example, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin make up a trio called the “Blue Wall” that went to Trump in 2016 but was retaken by Biden by a narrow margin in 2020.
Winning these states is crucial for Harris to solidify her chances against Trump, who is seeking to retake his former office.

What are purple states?

Purple states, also known as swing states or Battleground statesare those who have no clear partisan leanings.
They can be won by either the Democratic or Republican candidate in presidential elections.
This unpredictability makes them crucial for candidates seeking to secure the necessary 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
Presidential elections in the United States are conducted using an electoral college system, in which each state is allocated a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress.
In most states, the winner-take-all approach applies, meaning the candidate who receives the majority of votes in that state receives all the electoral votes. This system reinforces the importance of the violet states; Winning these votes can give a candidate a significant boost toward reaching the 270-vote threshold.

The 7 purple states

  1. Arizona (11 electoral votes) Arizona has emerged as a crucial purple state, particularly in the 2020 election when it narrowly supported Joe Biden. Its diverse population and urban centers like Phoenix have contributed to a shift toward Democratic preferences, yet the country remains competitive. For Trump, taking back Arizona is critical to regaining lost ground in the Southwest, while for Kamala Harris, maintaining that state is critical to solidifying Democrats' gains in the region.
  2. Georgia (16 electoral votes) Georgia gained national attention in the 2020 election due to its razor-thin voting results and allegations of election interference. The state's diverse population and changing demographics make it a focus of both campaigns. Georgia's importance rose sharply in 2020 when the country voted for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1992.
  3. Michigan (15 electoral votes) Michigan is historically a Democratic stronghold, switching to Trump in 2016 but reverting to Biden in 2020. The state's economy and issues such as manufacturing jobs resonate strongly with voters. For Trump, winning Michigan is critical to restoring his 2016 coalition, while for Harris, bolstering Democratic support is critical to ensuring Michigan remains blue.
  4. Nevada (6 electoral votes) Nevada's growing Latino population and urban centers like Las Vegas make it a key target for both parties, especially as it has leaned Democratic in recent elections. The state's economy and tourism industry are significant factors influencing voter sentiment. For Trump, capturing Nevada would signal broader appeal beyond traditional Republican bases; For Harris, retaining this state is essential to maintaining a Democratic majority.
  5. North Carolina (16 electoral votes) North Carolina has become increasingly competitive as both parties invest heavily in outreach efforts to mobilize voters from diverse demographics. North Carolina is a classic purple state with a mix of urban and rural voters. It has leaned Republican in recent elections, but has potential for Democratic gains due to growing metropolitan areas.
  6. Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes) Often viewed as a model state, Pennsylvania's industrial base and suburban dynamics make it crucial to both candidates' path to victory. It fluctuated from Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016 and then back to Biden in 2020. The state's diverse electorate makes it a microcosm of national trends.
  7. Wisconsin (10 electoral votes) Wisconsin has become emblematic of the country's political divide as it has flipped between parties in recent elections. Its importance lies not only in its votes, but also as a reflection of broader national trends in rural and urban voting patterns.

Historically, purple states have played a crucial role in past elections. For example, Biden's victories in Michigan and Wisconsin were crucial to his overall success in 2020. The candidates' ability to address local issues while maintaining national narratives is critical in these areas.

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