US Presidential Election: Trump edges Harris in exit polls, swing states in focus

Former President Donald Trump is leading the race for the White House as crucial battleground states swing in his favour, with key victories in North Carolina, Arkansas, and South Carolina. His position strengthens as the Republicans poised to reclaim control of the Senate.

Trump, who has accumulated 230 electoral votes as of November 6, is leading his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, who has secured 210 votes. The results reflect a shift in several traditionally blue states, now leaning red after Trump’s strong performance.

Key battlegrounds in play

Georgia flips red as Trump secures narrow victory. Georgia, a pivotal battleground state, has flipped back to Republican control, with Donald Trump edging out Kamala Harris in a tight race. The state, which has seen shifting demographics and a Democratic tilt in recent years, was won by Trump with 50.9% of the vote (2,636,905 votes), narrowly defeating Harris, who garnered 48.4% (2,509,360 votes).

Trump’s victory in Georgia marks a significant shift from the 2020 election, when the state was narrowly won by Joe Biden, breaking decades of Republican dominance. The win also follows the state’s two Democratic Senate victories in 2021, further highlighting Georgia’s shifting political landscape.

However, Trump’s narrow margin of victory in Georgia underscores the ongoing volatility of the state’s electorate

North Carolina, traditionally a swing state, has firmly fallen in Trump’s favour. The state’s 15 electoral votes mark a significant win, following Trump’s successes in neighbouring South Carolina and Arkansas.

Kamala Harris claimed victory in New Mexico, securing the state’s five electoral votes for the Democrats.

Despite not visiting the state herself, Harris received strong support in New Mexico’s more populous areas, overshadowing the conservative vote in rural pockets.

Furthermore, Harris secured victories in Democratic strongholds such as New York, California, Vermont, Maryland, and several others. Among the states won by Harris are California, where she received 54 electoral votes, and Hawaii, which delivered four electoral votes to her campaign.

These states have historically supported Democratic nominees, with California being a critical win for Harris given its size and Democratic leaning.

The Vice President’s success also included Connecticut and Massachusetts, continuing the Democrats' dominance in these traditionally blue states. Harris performed well in Rhode Island, securing its four electoral votes, while also sweeping New Jersey with its 14 electoral votes.

Voting disruptions in Georgia
The state of Georgia has experienced major disruptions in the election process due to bomb threats at several polling stations. The FBI has traced the threats to Russian interference, though no explosives were found. Despite the scare, voting continued, and authorities extended voting hours to ensure a smooth process. This disruption has raised concerns over the integrity of the election in this key swing state.

The delay has had little impact on Trump’s performance, however, as early voting results show a narrow lead for the Republican candidate.

GOP secures Senate majority for 2025 after flipping two Democratic seats

For the first time in six years, Republicans will be in control of the Senate, wrestling the chamber away from Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's caucus.

Republicans won Senate seats in West Virginia and Ohio on Tuesday, Scripps News and Decision Desk HQ project. Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown previously held the seat in Ohio, while independent Sen. Joe Manchin, who left the Democratic Party earlier this year, has continued to caucus with his former party.

Senate Republicans reclaimed the majority in the 119th Congress after flipping two Democratic seats in West Virginia and Ohio on Tuesday.

Allegations of voter fraud in Philadelphia
As the race intensifies, Trump has once again alleged widespread voter fraud in Philadelphia. He claimed, without evidence, that the city’s voting process had been rigged to favour Harris. Local authorities quickly dismissed these allegations, emphasising that there were no signs of irregularities.

However, the claims have sparked heated debates, with Trump supporters calling for an investigation, while critics argue that the unsubstantiated accusations are undermining the election’s credibility.

Philadelphia officials refute Trump’s claims of voter fraud.

Voter turnout hits record highs
The election has seen an increase in voter turnout across the country, especially in states like Pennsylvania and Georgia. The surge is driven by a younger and more diverse electorate, reflecting the high stakes of the 2024 race. Early figures suggest that a record number of voters, particularly from historically underrepresented communities, have cast their ballots.

As polling stations across the country remain open, the race between Trump and Harris will continue to develop in the coming days, with both candidates hoping to secure crucial victories in remaining battlegrounds.