Pennsylvania: The Crucial Battleground State in the 2024 Presidential Election
Pennsylvania stands as a pivotal swing state in the upcoming US presidential election, holding immense significance for both candidates vying for the White House. As the race intensifies, both presidential hopefuls are directing their efforts toward this essential state, which boasts the largest electoral prize among the key battlegrounds with its 19 electoral votes.
With the election fast approaching, Pennsylvania has become a focal point for campaign strategies, seeing both candidates pour in substantial resources, energy, and personal visits—more than any other state in the nation. The history of the state is noteworthy; it has sided with the ultimate winner in the last two presidential elections by a mere handful of votes.
“Pennsylvania is a state that supported Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020,” noted Berwood Yost, the Director of Franklin & Marshall College. “It reflects a diverse demographic landscape, featuring large urban centers alongside rural communities. In many ways, Pennsylvania serves as a microcosm of the broader country,” Yost elaborated.
In a dramatic turn of events, Donald Trump experienced a life-threatening incident during a rally in Pennsylvania in July, where he was shot in the upper right ear by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park. Fortunately, Trump has resumed his campaign efforts in the Keystone State, which underscores its importance in the eyes of the electorate.
“The sentiment among my friends is quite split; about half are supporting Kamala Harris, while the other half is backing Trump,” shared Brian Neel, a voter from Chester County, Pennsylvania. “If that’s any indication, it suggests a fiercely competitive race here.”
Jodi Eichler-Levine, a voter from Upper Macungie Township, voiced a similar perspective. “Pennsylvania is so closely contested that even the weather on Election Day could sway the results. It will depend on who mobilizes their supporters best and generates excitement for their candidate.”
Harris aims to secure a stronghold in the urban hubs of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, focusing on rallying women, Black voters, and college graduates, demographics that were instrumental in Biden’s previous victory. Conversely, Trump is seeking to broaden his appeal by solidifying support in the rural areas he dominated in 2020, while also attempting to win over traditionally Democratic voters, including Latinos and blue-collar workers.
Related
- US Presidential Election: A Historical Perspective on State Voting Patterns Since 1924
- US Election: Key Swing States That Will Determine Whether Trump or Harris Prevails
As both campaigns assert their advantage in the Pennsylvania race, analysts and voters alike anticipate a nail-biting finish. “The enthusiasm among current supporters for both candidates is remarkably high,” Yost stated. “The outcome will likely hinge on which campaign is more effective on the ground. That’s what will ultimately tip the scales.”
Historically, no Democrat has won the presidency without claiming Pennsylvania since 1948, elevating the stakes significantly for Harris this time around. With polls indicating a near tie, once again, Pennsylvania could very well be the decisive state that determines the outcome of the 2024 election.
