Youtube: Sky News Australia
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Former President Donald Trump has secured North Carolina’s electoral votes, marking a critical win for the Republican candidate as the U.S. presidential race edges closer to its conclusion. This victory strengthens Trump’s standing against Democratic nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris, who remains in contention with key battleground states still reporting.
North Carolina, historically a Republican-leaning state, had been closely watched as a potential pivot point in the election, with Democrats making significant efforts to turn it blue. Trump’s win in North Carolina bolsters his path to the 270 electoral votes required to reclaim the White House, underscoring his campaign’s resilience in southern and swing states.
Harris Eyes Remaining Battlegrounds as Trump’s Lead Grows
With North Carolina now in the GOP column, the Harris campaign’s strategy pivots even more urgently to key battlegrounds such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—states Harris has targeted in the final hours of the race. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is particularly critical for Harris, who needs a strong turnout from urban and suburban voters to counteract Trump’s rural base. Her campaign’s Pennsylvania tour included stops in Scranton, Allentown, and Philadelphia, where she emphasized the stakes, urging Pennsylvanians to exercise their influence in what she called “an election that could change the course of our country.”
North Carolina’s Results Signal Strength of Trump’s Base
Trump’s North Carolina win highlights the enduring loyalty of his base, particularly in rural counties and among voters who have remained steadfast supporters since his first election in 2016. Despite shifts in national polling, North Carolina voters turned out in significant numbers to bolster his candidacy, signaling that the state remains a Republican stronghold despite Democratic efforts.
Looking Ahead: All Eyes on Pennsylvania
As the remaining states tally votes, Pennsylvania’s pivotal 19 electoral votes could define the outcome of the 2024 election. Both Trump and Harris have made Pennsylvania the focus of their final pushes, with Trump remarking to a crowd in Reading, “If we win Pennsylvania, we win the whole ball of wax.”
With results from Pennsylvania and other battlegrounds expected soon, the race remains tight, and both campaigns are preparing for a tense finish as Americans and international observers watch the historic election unfold.