In a decisive move that could impact the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump has emerged victorious in North Carolina, a pivotal swing state, securing its 16 Electoral College votes. North Carolina was a high-stakes battleground, with both campaigns making a final push in the Tar Heel state.
Trump himself made appearances in the state in each of the last three days leading up to Election Day, underscoring its importance in his path to the presidency.
This victory marks North Carolina as the first of seven crucial swing states to declare a winner in this election, giving Trump an early advantage. The outcome is a significant boost for Trump’s campaign, particularly given that North Carolina has been a key state in recent presidential elections. Since Barack Obama’s win there in 2008, no Democrat has claimed victory in North Carolina; Trump’s latest win marks his third consecutive victory in the state.
Reacting to the North Carolina results, Harris’ campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, outlined in a memo that the path forward for the Democrats would now rely heavily on the northern industrial states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Dubbed the “blue wall” states, these areas are seen as the most viable path for Harris to secure a victory. Dillon acknowledged that the election results might not be clear until the early hours, suggesting a close race as votes are counted across the remaining swing states.
This year’s election saw a record-breaking turnout in North Carolina, with over 4.2 million residents voting early before Election Day.
Notably, turnout was particularly high in some of the state’s western counties that were affected by Hurricane Helene, as election officials made concerted efforts to ensure those impacted by the storm could still participate in the election.
Exit polls reveal a complex picture of voter sentiment in North Carolina. While only 43 percent of voters in the state held a favorable view of Trump, 48 percent felt positively about Harris. Voters in North Carolina indicated a variety of top concerns that influenced their votes, with 36 percent citing the economy as their primary issue. Other concerns included the state of democracy (32 percent), abortion (13 percent), immigration (12 percent), and foreign policy (4 percent).
Despite economic concerns, Trump garnered notable support among North Carolinians, especially among those dissatisfied with their financial situation. Approximately 47 percent of voters said their family’s financial situation had worsened over the past four years, aligning closely with national trends that have influenced voting behavior. Trump’s campaign also resonated strongly with white voters, who made up 69 percent of the electorate in North Carolina, an increase from 2020.
This increase included a notable rise in the percentage of white male voters, up by five points compared to the previous election.
At 78 years old, Trump was vying to make history as the oldest person elected president and as the first president in 132 years to reclaim the Oval Office after a prior defeat. He also stands as the first person with a felony conviction to win the presidency. His opponent, Harris, 60, aimed to make history as well, potentially becoming the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as president. If victorious, she would also be the first sitting vice president in 36 years to ascend to the presidency.
With North Carolina’s outcome finalized, attention has now shifted to the remaining six swing states that will play a crucial role in determining the election’s final result. By 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Trump had amassed 227 Electoral College votes compared to Harris’ 165, inching closer to the required 270 votes needed to secure the presidency.
According to exit polls conducted by Edison, Trump has made inroads with traditionally Democratic-leaning groups, particularly Hispanic voters and lower-income households that have struggled with rising prices since the 2020 election. Nationally, Trump garnered support from 45 percent of Hispanic voters, a 13-point increase from his performance in 2020, although Harris still led among this demographic with 53 percent. Among voters who prioritized the economy as their top concern, a significant majority supported Trump, reflecting his appeal to those feeling economic strain and desiring financial improvement.
Nationally, 45 percent of voters indicated that their family’s financial situation was worse than it had been four years prior, a factor that likely contributed to Trump’s gains among economically discontented voters. Overall, 31 percent of voters cited the economy as their primary concern in this election, and Trump’s message appeared to resonate with this constituency.
As officials worked late into the night, nearly completing ballot counts in over 1,200 counties—about one-third of the nation—Trump’s support was visibly stronger compared to 2020. By 11 p.m., Trump’s share of votes in these counties had increased by approximately two percentage points over his previous election performance, with notable improvements in suburban areas of Georgia and rural Pennsylvania.
As the election continues to unfold, Trump’s victory in North Carolina solidifies his standing and sets a competitive tone for the remaining swing states. With both candidates vying for every possible vote, the 2024 election remains a tightly contested race, with the final outcome hinging on the results in key battleground states still to be announced.