In a major boost to his campaign, former President Donald Trump has emerged victorious in North Carolina, securing the key battleground state’s 16 electoral votes in the race against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The state win solidifies the Republican Party’s position as both candidates race towards the crucial 270 electoral votes needed to claim the presidency.
Voters across the United States, including the District of Columbia, cast their ballots in this historic election between former Vice President Harris and Trump. The U.S. presidential election follows an Electoral College system, with the majority of states allocating all their electoral votes to the popular vote winner within the state. Notably, only Nebraska and Maine divide their votes among candidates.
Initially, polls showed Harris narrowing Trump’s lead in North Carolina following her entry into the race in July, after President Joe Biden stepped back from seeking re-election. While Democrats were hopeful that Harris could sway well-educated voters, Trump managed to expand his support base, with gains among Black voters, younger voters, and slight increases among independents. According to exit polls, Black voters comprised 19% of North Carolina’s electorate, with Trump securing over 12% of their votes, a 5-point increase compared to 2020. This included a significant 12-point increase among Black male voters.
As it stands, Trump holds 246 electoral votes, while Harris trails with 189. The path to victory for Harris now likely hinges on her performance in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—key states in the so-called “blue wall” that Trump flipped in his 2016 win over Hillary Clinton. Currently, however, Trump holds a lead in each of these states, posing further challenges for the Harris campaign.
Trump’s success in North Carolina highlights the enduring strength of his MAGA movement, marking his third consecutive win in the state despite the controversies and legal challenges he has faced, including two impeachments and four criminal indictments since his presidency ended in 2021.
With momentum now on Trump’s side, the Harris campaign faces an uphill battle in its quest to reclaim the White House for Democrats, making the coming days pivotal for both sides.
