In a decisive moment for the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump secured Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s most coveted swing states, propelling him closer to the presidency. The Associated Press called the race for Donald Trump in Pennsylvania shortly after he captured other key battleground states, including North Carolina and Georgia. These victories create a strong path for Donald Trump to achieve the necessary 270 electoral votes required to win the election. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, has been a focal point for both parties, recognized as a critical asset in the Electoral College.
After losing Pennsylvania to President Joe Biden in 2020, Republicans launched a significant campaign effort in the state, mirroring the aggressive strategies used in 2016 when Donald Trump won against Hillary Clinton. This win marks a remarkable comeback for Donald Trump, who faced an intense battle in Pennsylvania, where both campaigns poured resources and engaged with local communities in a bid for influence. Donald Trump’s success in this swing state has created a clear advantage in the election, leaving his opponent, Kamala Harris, with fewer paths to the presidency.
Harris’ Pennsylvania Push Falls Short
Despite her determined campaign in Pennsylvania, Kamala Harris struggled to replicate the Democratic success that led Biden to victory in 2020. Choosing not to pick Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate may have been a strategic misstep; critics argue this choice limited her appeal in a state with deep Democratic roots. In the final days of her campaign, Harris made a concentrated effort to rally support, hosting three events across Pennsylvania and concluding her campaign in Philadelphia with high-profile supporters like Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga.
Harris’ last-ditch efforts resonated with voters at her rallies, where she emphasized the importance of each vote in this close race. During her Philadelphia rally, she reiterated the stakes, telling supporters that this election would shape the future of American democracy. Oprah Winfrey joined Harris in these warnings, urging the audience to recognize the importance of turning out to vote. Nevertheless, despite her passionate appeal, Harris’ campaign couldn’t overcome the Republican momentum that propelled Trump to victory.
Republican Push for Voting Transparency in Pennsylvania
Republican efforts in Pennsylvania went beyond rallies and advertisements. The GOP took an active stance on ensuring transparency in the voting process, a move that Republicans claimed was essential to uphold integrity in the high-stakes election. The Republican National Committee filed legal challenges in Cambria County due to issues with malfunctioning voting machines, and Republicans across other counties worked closely with polling stations to ensure fair oversight.
The party also emphasized the importance of voter monitoring, with Republican poll watchers playing a visible role in the vote-counting process. These efforts reflected a broader GOP strategy of addressing what they claimed were potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process. With Pennsylvania’s significance to the outcome, Republicans sought every assurance that the voting process was closely monitored, a move that resonated with their base and, according to analysts, may have bolstered Trump’s performance in the state.
Impact of Biden’s Absence on the Democratic Campaign
Joe Biden, originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, had strong ties to the state, which he leveraged to secure support from working-class voters in 2020. However, after Biden withdrew from the 2024 race in July, the Democratic Party faced challenges in maintaining voter enthusiasm and support in Pennsylvania. Biden’s absence created a notable gap in the Democratic campaign, one that Harris struggled to fill despite her efforts to connect with the state’s voters.
In key Democratic strongholds like Lackawanna County, which encompasses Scranton, Harris fell short of Biden’s 2020 performance. She secured only a three-point lead over Donald Trump in this crucial county, a significant drop from Biden’s eight-point lead in the previous election. With 95% of the votes counted, Trump currently holds a 193,539-vote lead in Pennsylvania, underscoring Harris’ difficulty in capturing the same level of support Biden achieved. As results continue to come in, the gap between Trump and Harris may ultimately determine the trajectory of both parties heading into future elections.
