Donald Trump is anticipated to be the 47th president of the United States after triumphantly securing the pivotal swing state of Pennsylvania. This victory poses a significant obstacle for Kamala Harris in her quest for the White House.
Following a night that exceeded expectations, Trump has been projected as Pennsylvania’s winner, leaving little room for Harris to forge a path to victory. Historically, Pennsylvania has been one of the most closely contested states, crucial for both Harris and Trump during previous elections in 2016 and 2020.
Acknowledging the critical nature of Pennsylvania, Harris’ campaign emphasized their extensive canvassing and mobilization efforts. She delivered a powerful closing speech at a major rally in Philadelphia, the state’s largest city, which was expected to provide her with a vital margin in votes.
Contrary to expectations that Trump might lose support among Puerto Rican voters due to a comedian’s racially insensitive remarks during a campaign rally, exit polls indicated that Trump had actually improved his standing with Latino voters in the state, a trend reflective of a broader national pattern.
Pennsylvania: A Key Battleground State
In the 2020 election, Biden secured Pennsylvania by a narrow margin of just 81,000 votes. Historically, the state leaned Democrat from 1992 to 2012. The significance of Pennsylvania was underscored by speculation that Harris might choose the state’s Democratic Governor, Josh Shapiro, as her running mate; instead, she opted for Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz.
This state, known for its political importance, was also the site of an assassination attempt against Trump in July and hosted the only presidential debate between the candidates in Philadelphia.
Moreover, the state is currently the focus of closely watched Congressional races, which could influence the Democratic Party’s chances of regaining control of the House of Representatives. While the outcomes in Pennsylvania’s districts 7 and 8 are still pending, early indications are leaning in favor of the Republican Party.
Trump’s Path to the Presidency
With the latest developments, Trump is projected to reclaim the presidency, potentially becoming the first U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland. Trump first rose to the presidency in 2016, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and lost his re-election bid to President Biden amid the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
