What if Trump or Harris won? See list of historic “firsts”

As Election Day 2024 Regardless of the outcome, significant milestones are on the horizon.

The election could either result in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the first female president or former President Donald Trump returning as the first president to serve non-consecutive terms.

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Election Day 2024

Election Day 2024 is Tuesday, November 5th.

The election marks a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party.

After President Joe Biden suspended his re-election campaign in July, he endorsed Harris, ushering in an unprecedented shift toward the end of the election cycle. Despite Biden's strong showing in previous primaries and caucuses, questions about his age and fitness led to political disputes that forced Harris into campaign mode.

The election also marks a crucial shift in the Republican Party as Trump's campaign polarizes the GOP.

TOPSHOT – US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (r.) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia

Many on the right believe a Trump victory could help Republicans retain power on the Supreme Court and other key positions, while others fear it could deepen divisions within the party.

As the election date approaches, the implications of these potential outcomes underscore a transformative moment in American politics, regardless of who ultimately takes office.

In the latest national polls released October 16, Vice President Kamala Harris is leading in four out of five polls. The only exception is the Marquette Law School poll, where she is tied with former President Trump.

The latest poll data shows a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, with Harris holding a slim 1.2-point lead nationally, according to FiveThirtyEight. In Michigan, a key battleground, Harris leads by just 0.8 points, underscoring how closely contested this election remains.

Underscoring the public mood, an AP-NORC poll shows that about seven in 10 Americans are worried or frustrated about the 2024 election, with only about a third expressing enthusiasm. As Election Day approaches, divided polls and uncertain forecasts suggest the race is still up in the air.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S., on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Trump reiterated his promise to provide tax breaks for car purchases, emphasizing that the benefit only applies to manufactured vehicles would apply

If Donald Trump secures victory, he would achieve several historic firsts:

FFirst president to serve non-consecutive terms: Trump would be the only president to return to office after an election defeat.

Oldest elected president: If Trump wins next month's election, he would be the oldest person in U.S. history to be elected president.

First convicted criminal in office: Trump is currently being convicted of a crime, marking a significant legal first in U.S. history.

President impeached twice: Trump's presidency would be notable for being the only one to be impeached twice.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris listens as Stevie Wonder sings “Happy Birthday” to her at Divine Faith Ministries in Jonesboro, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Should Kamala Harris emerge victorious, she would make history in several ways:

First female president: Harris would break the glass ceiling and become the first woman to hold the highest office in the United States

First woman of color as president: Her victory would signal a significant shift in representation at the highest levels of government. She would also be the first female president of South Asian descent.

First, first gentleman: If elected, her husband would be the first male spouse of a female president, marking another milestone. He would also be the first Jewish vice president.

Second President from California: Harris would be only the second president of California after Richard Nixon.

The closer the election date gets, the more contradictory the forecasts of political analysts become. Presidential observer Allan Lichtman has predicted a win for Harris, while pollster Nate Silver has predicted a Trump victory. Additionally, betting odds begin to swing heavily in favor of one candidate, reflecting changing sentiment among voters.

Ultimately, Americans will decide the outcome of this historic election. You can find out more about their predictions here.

As the implications of these possible outcomes underscore a transformative moment in American politics, it is clear that there is much at stake for both candidates.