Harris and Trump are in a tight race as the swing states ahead of the US election remain in play

• Race for 270: The contested states could decide the election, Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin

ISTANBUL

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris is narrowly ahead of former President Donald Trump in the national poll average.

With Election Day set for Nov. 5, Harris is polling at 48.2%, while Trump is close behind at 46.4%, according to recent data from ABC News and 538.

However, the national figures do not tell the whole story. The race remains closely contested in the key battleground states where the election is likely to be decided.

Both candidates are in a virtual tie in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Trump, who won those states in 2016 but lost them in 2020, is hoping to take them back while Harris aims to maintain her slim lead.

Pennsylvania, which has the most electoral votes among swing states, is crucial to both campaigns. With 19 electoral votes, Harris and Trump are statistically tied in Pennsylvania, with Trump slightly ahead of Harris with 47.9% (47.5%). A win in this state could greatly swing the election in favor of either candidate.

Michigan, which flipped back to Democrats in 2020 after Trump’s 2016 victory, is another key state Harris must retain. With 15 electoral votes, Harris has a narrow lead of 47.4%, compared to 47.2% for Trump.

Wisconsin has been a battleground since 2016, with both candidates vying to win this key Midwestern state. With 10 electoral votes, Harris is ahead in Wisconsin with 47.8%, compared to Trump’s 47.6%.

Arizona remains one of the closest races with 11 electoral votes. The state that voted for Biden in 2020 will be a key indicator for both parties, with Trump leading at 48.6% while Harris is at 46.7%.

After turning blue in 2020, Georgia has become a critical state for Democrats to defend in 2024. With 16 electoral votes, Trump has a narrow lead in Georgia, with 48.7% ahead of Harris’ 46.9%.

North Carolina remains a battleground as it has leaned toward Republicans in recent cycles, but Democrats are hoping to make gains this year. With 16 electoral votes, Trump has a narrow lead in North Carolina at 48%, while Harris is polling at 47.5%.

With 6 electoral votes, Harris is slightly ahead in Nevada, with 47.6% compared to Trump’s 47.1%. This small but crucial swing state remains a key target for both campaigns vying for votes.

The close margins underscore the unpredictability of the race as both candidates vie for the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency.

Although Harris has held a steady lead since Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July, the contest remains too close to call crucial swing states.

If Trump retains his top positions in Georgia, Arizona and North Carolina while defeating Pennsylvania, he could secure the 270 electoral votes needed to win. Conversely, Harris would be on track to become the nation’s first female president if she can maintain her leads in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada while gaining ground in Pennsylvania.

With swing states holding the balance, the 2024 election is expected to be another closely contested race, with both candidates fighting for every vote in the final days before November 5th.

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