Pennsylvania (19 Electoral Votes)
Once a Democratic stronghold, Pennsylvania has become one of the tightest battlegrounds in recent elections. Trump won it narrowly in 2016 by just 0.7 percentage points, while Biden reclaimed it by 1.2 points in 2020. Known for its “Rust Belt” cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the state has struggled with the decline of its manufacturing base.
Trump and Harris have both campaigned vigorously here, where they held their only debate. Trump is focused on winning over rural white voters, warning of the impact of migration on small towns. Meanwhile, Harris is touting infrastructure projects and announced plans in Pittsburgh to invest $100 billion in manufacturing—a key issue for Pennsylvanians.
Georgia (16 Electoral Votes)
Georgia has been a flashpoint since Biden narrowly flipped it in 2020, marking the first Democratic win in the state since 1992. Trump was later indicted for allegedly attempting to overturn this result, though his case is now paused until after the election. Georgia’s changing demographics could benefit Harris, who has actively reached out to minority voters.
North Carolina (16 Electoral Votes)
Although North Carolina has only voted Democratic once since 1980, Harris sees potential due to the state’s growing and diversifying population. Trump faces complications from a scandal involving the Republican gubernatorial candidate, which has created concerns among party officials. Additionally, the impact of storm Helene, which devastated parts of the state, adds an unpredictable element to the race.
Michigan (15 Electoral Votes)
Trump’s 2016 win in Michigan helped secure his victory over Hillary Clinton, but Biden took the state back in 2020, with strong support from union workers and the Black community. However, Harris faces challenges in maintaining support among Michigan’s 200,000-strong Arab American community, a key voting bloc in the state.
Arizona (11 Electoral Votes)
In one of the closest contests in 2020, Biden narrowly won Arizona by just over 10,000 votes. Trump hopes frustration over immigration will shift Arizona back to his side, given the state’s proximity to the Mexican border. Harris visited the border in September, committing to stricter migration policies and a renewed push for a bipartisan border bill that she claims Trump previously blocked.
Wisconsin (10 Electoral Votes)
In 2016, Clinton’s loss in Wisconsin—where she spent little time campaigning—was critical. Biden, however, successfully turned the state blue in 2020 by a margin of 21,000 votes. Trump is making a strong play here, even hosting his party’s national convention in the state. Harris has also ramped up her efforts, making Wisconsin one of the most tightly contested states this cycle.
Nevada (6 Electoral Votes)
Nevada has consistently voted Democratic since 2004, but Trump’s gains with Hispanic voters give Republicans hope for a shift. Harris’s recent economic platform, aimed at supporting small businesses and controlling inflation, has resonated in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas, where the economy relies heavily on the hospitality sector.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
