By Penny Keenan

As we all know, Former President Donald Trump won the 2024 Presidential Election over Harris and will be serving four more years. Many people might be wondering how the votes stacked up like this and what went down on election night

Most of the uncertainty that comes with election day is thanks to this year’s 7 swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Trump won all 7 swing states, 6 of which were Democratic wins in 2020.

These states were a main source of discourse all throughout the night. As the results of the more predictable states were coming in, each candidate was receiving their expected electoral votes. Needing 270 to win, the two candidates both needed to win 3 or 4 swing states to take the lead. 

Trump first took North Carolina. As the former president continued to prevail in other swing states, the importance of Pennsylvania’s results became more and more apparent. Nearing the end of the night, Harris couldn't mathematically win without taking Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania’s votes were fundamental to this election from the beginning. With 19 electoral votes, it is tied with Illinois for 5th most electoral votes. The state’s race had been neck and neck leading up to the election, with no indication of which way it could go. Considering the possible results of the other states, Pennsylvania was likely to be the deciding factor. Both candidates ended their campaigns in Pennsylvania, and Harris even spent the entire final day of her campaign in the state.

As the count continued, Trump won more and more swing states. His lead grew and Harris’ opportunities got narrower. Trump had won North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin, putting him at a strong lead and things were not looking hopeful for Democrats. When the former president finally won Pennsylvania that confirmed his victory in the election.

Trump won 50.6% of Pennsylvania, and Harris won 48.5%

The final result was 312 electoral votes for Trump, and 226 for Harris, making Donald Trump the winner of the 2024 US election.