Key Swing States to Watch: 8 Crucial Battlegrounds in The 2024 US Presidential Election

New Delhi: As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the outcome is expected to hinge on eight critical swing states. The Cook Political Report's latest ratings highlight the competitiveness of these states, which could ultimately determine whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald J. Trump reaches the 270 electoral votes required to win. With both candidates likely to secure states where they currently have soli, likely or lean support, the election is expected to hinge on seven key battleground states and one district where the outcome is still uncertain. To secure the presidency, Harris would need 44 electoral votes from these contested areas, while Trump would require 51.  

8 Key Swing States That Could Decide the 2024 US Presidential Election

Pennsylvania (19 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Biden +1.2%
2024 Polls: Harris <1% ahead

Pennsylvania remains a critical swing state, just as it was in 2020. Biden’s narrow win here was crucial to his overall victory, making it a major focus for both the Harris and Trump campaigns in 2024.   

Georgia (16 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Biden +0.2%
2024 Polling: Trump <1% ahead
Once a Republican stronghold, Georgia emerged as a key battleground in 2020. Biden’s razor-thin victory underscored its importance, and Trump is targeting Georgia to regain lost ground in 2024.  

North Carolina (16 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Trump +1.3%
2024 Polls: Insufficient data
North Carolina continues to be a competitive swing state, with both parties expecting a tight race in 2024. Despite Trump’s narrow win in 2020, the state remains a critical battleground with both sides vying for its electoral votes.   

Michigan (15 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Biden +2.8%
2024 Polls: Harris +2% ahead
Michigan’s blue-collar voters were instrumental in Biden’s 2020 success, flipping the state back to Democratic control. As a result, Michigan's 15 electoral votes are a prime target for both campaigns in the upcoming election.  

Arizona (11 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Biden +0.3%
2024 Polls: Trump <1% ahead

Arizona’s changing demographics, particularly with a growing Latino population, have made it a competitive state. Biden’s slim win in 2020 marked a significant shift, but Trump is determined to retake Arizona’s 11 electoral votes in 2024.   

Wisconsin (10 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Biden +0.6%
2024 Polls: Harris +1% ahead

Wisconsin played a pivotal role in Biden’s 2020 victory. The state’s 10 electoral votes are highly contested, with both parties focusing on appealing to Wisconsin’s diverse voter base in 2024.

Nevada (6 Electoral Votes)

2020 Margin: Biden +2.4%
2024 Polls: Insufficient data

Although Nevada has leaned Democratic in recent elections, the margins have been narrow. The state’s 6 electoral votes are crucial for Harris, but Trump’s campaign is working hard to flip Nevada in 2024.   

Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District (1 Electoral Vote)  

2020 Margin: Biden +6.5%
2024 Polls: Insufficient data

Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the Omaha area, is a unique battleground. While Nebraska is typically Republican, this district allocates its electoral vote separately and remains a key target for both campaigns.