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By: Fern Sidman
In a pivotal victory projected by the Fox News Decision Desk, former President Donald Trump has become the nation’s 47th president as he captured Pennsylvania’s critical 19 electoral votes, edging out Vice President Kamala Harris in one of the most closely contested battleground states. Pennsylvania’s significance in the electoral landscape is underscored by its recent history of swinging between parties, with Trump breaking the state’s “blue wall” in 2016, only for President Joe Biden to flip it back to the Democrats in 2020. Trump’s 2024 victory in the Keystone State reflects a hard-fought battle, signaling the enduring competitiveness of this swing state.
Former President Trump took the stage at his campaign’s election night watch party in West Palm Beach early Wednesday. Trump’s supporters gathered at the event were hugging one another, making calls, jumping up and down, and throwing their MAGA hats in the air every chance they got to celebrate as results continued to trickle in.
Trump told his supporters, “Every citizen, I will fight for you, for your family and your future. Every single day, I will be fighting for you. And with every breath in my body, I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve. This will truly be the golden age of America. That’s what we have to have. This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again,” he said.
He also said that G-d spared his life after several assassination attempts for a reason and promised to restore America to its former greatness.
“This was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time. There’s never been anything like this in this country, and maybe beyond. And now it’s going to reach a new level of importance because we’re going to help our country heal,” Trump said just before 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
“We’re going to help our country here. We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly. We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country and we’ve made history for a reason tonight. And the reason is going to be just that. We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible,” he added to cheers from the crowd.
Vice President-elect JD Vance also addressed the crowds on Wednesday morning, thanking Trump for an “incredible journey.”
“I appreciate you allowing me to join you on this incredible journey. I thank you for the trust, the place to me. And I think that we just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America. Okay. And under President Trump’s leadership, we’re never going to stop fighting for you, for your dreams, for the future of your children. And after the greatest political comeback in American history, we’re going to lead the greatest economic comeback in American history. Under Donald Trump’s leadership,” he said.
Throughout the campaign, polls reflected a razor-thin margin between the two candidates in Pennsylvania. As one of the nation’s most politically diverse states, Pennsylvania was famously described by James Carville, then a campaign strategist for Bill Clinton, as “Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.” This characterization remains apt today, as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh once again proved reliable Democratic strongholds. Fox News reported that Harris garnered significant support in these metropolitan areas, which were crucial for her party’s turnout. Meanwhile, Trump gained ground in central and rural areas, where Republicans traditionally perform well, particularly in the districts represented by Republican Reps. Glenn Thompson and John Joyce.
Both Harris and Trump prioritized Pennsylvania in their campaign strategies, recognizing its importance as a bellwether in the Rust Belt. Trump rallied supporters in Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third-largest city and located in a key swing district labeled “EVEN” by the Cook Political Report. The report on the Fox News web site indicated that Harris concentrated her efforts in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, Biden’s hometown region, as well as Pittsburgh, another major Democratic base. Biden himself joined the effort, visiting Scranton and speaking to union members in Northeast Philadelphia, the city’s most conservative area. The strong focus on Pennsylvania by both campaigns reflected their commitment to winning over its voters, especially in the traditionally “purple” Rust Belt state, where the political landscape remains in flux.
Trump’s strategy in Pennsylvania included extensive grassroots efforts led by Republican activist Scott Presler, who became a well-known figure across the state. Presler dedicated his time to registering voters at flea markets, community fairs, and even Penn State football games, tapping into Pennsylvania’s suburban and rural communities, as was reported by Fox News. The Trump campaign also organized a “Team Trump” bus tour that traversed the state, stopping in towns like Duncansville, Chambersburg, and Newport. The tour featured prominent surrogates, both from Pennsylvania and across the nation, emphasizing Trump’s broad base of support.
Pennsylvania has proven to be a complex state politically, fluctuating between parties in gubernatorial races while typically maintaining a Republican-leaning legislature. However, Democrats often perform better at the presidential level, with Biden’s 2020 victory following a tight race. This pattern of narrow margins continued in 2024, with Trump’s win reflecting Pennsylvania’s status as a true battleground state. Fox News reported that both parties invested substantial resources into capturing the state, drawing attention to Pennsylvania’s importance as a path to the White House.
For Trump, winning Pennsylvania solidifies his base in the Rust Belt, a region critical to his electoral strategy. His success here reaffirms his appeal among working-class voters, who have traditionally been key to his support. The Fox News report explained that many of these voters reside in central Pennsylvania, where the economic legacy of manufacturing has left communities divided over issues like trade, job creation, and economic revitalization. Trump’s message of restoring American industry and challenging international trade imbalances has resonated with these voters, making Pennsylvania a cornerstone of his electoral approach.
Harris’s campaign strategy centered on rallying Democratic strongholds in urban areas while attempting to attract moderates and independents in swing districts. She sought to capitalize on Biden’s roots in Scranton, emphasizing issues of labor rights, union support, and infrastructure investment that resonate with Pennsylvanians across party lines. However, the Republican advantage in the midstate and rural areas proved too substantial for Harris to overcome in a state where demographic and regional divides often dictate political outcomes.
Ultimately, Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania marks a critical moment in the 2024 election. This win reestablished the Keystone State as a key component of Trump’s path to reclaiming the presidency. The report on Fox News said that Pennsylvania’s role in recent presidential elections has underscored its volatility, with shifts in party dominance mirroring national political trends. Trump’s ability to reconnect with the state’s working-class base, coupled with his dedicated outreach in smaller communities, was pivotal to his victory.
Since the 2018 retirement of anti-Trump Republican Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania Democrats have successfully flipped key seats in areas once firmly held by the GOP. Dent’s departure opened the door for Democrats to secure a swing district in Allentown, a major political gain that signaled the potential for further Democratic inroads. Additionally, in 2022, the traditionally Republican Senate seat of Pat Toomey shifted blue when John Fetterman, then-Lt. Governor, won the race, marking a significant Democratic gain on the Senate level.
Yet, these gains contrast sharply with the intensifying Republican presence in rural parts of Pennsylvania, particularly in the northwestern expanse. Fox News reported that State Senator Cris Dush, a Republican representing Brookville, has expressed optimism about Donald Trump’s chances in the state, pointing to his district as a microcosm of the changing political landscape. Dush’s expansive district covers more than 10% of the state, encompassing Jefferson, Elk, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, McKean, and Potter counties. The area’s demographic shift from traditionally Democratic to staunchly Republican aligns with similar trends in rural areas across the U.S., where economic grievances and cultural issues have fueled GOP support.
One remarkable transformation has occurred in Clinton County, a region that was once a Democratic stronghold but is now over three-to-one Republican. Dush attributes this shift to the impact of inflation, job insecurity, and a cultural divide over social issues. “This is a massive shift that’s coming in rural Pennsylvania,” Dush told Fox News. “My working class, middle-age, and senior constituents are seeing what’s happening to their jobs and with inflation.” He emphasized that cultural issues, including debates over gender identity, have also played a role in driving conservative momentum, noting that his constituents “have just finally had enough.”
Former President Donald Trump also secured victories in the battleground states of Georgia and North Carolina, key wins that eliminated Vice President Kamala Harris’ paths to reaching the 270 electoral votes needed for the presidency, as was reported by the Associated Press. Georgia’s return to the Republican column after voting Democratic in 2020 underscores the state’s complex political shifts and marks a significant boost for Trump’s campaign. Combined with his win in North Carolina, Trump’s victories have intensified the electoral race, leaving Harris increasingly reliant on the “blue wall” states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—to maintain a credible path to victory.
The atmosphere at Harris’ watch party, held at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, reflected the challenges her campaign faced as results rolled in. The AP reported that as the evening drew on, supporters began to file out, subdued by the series of Republican wins that included not only Georgia and North Carolina but also Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Indiana—each one signaling Trump’s resilience in maintaining Republican dominance in traditionally conservative areas. A top Harris ally, Cedric Richmond, addressed supporters, urging patience as the night wore on, noting that Harris would address the nation the following day. “We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted,” Richmond emphasized, according to the AP, echoing the campaign’s commitment to the thorough and complete counting of ballots.
Although Harris notched wins in key Democratic strongholds, including California, New York, and New Mexico, the results highlighted the narrowing of her options. She also won Virginia, a state where Trump campaigned in the closing days, and picked up a contested Electoral College vote in Nebraska, a point of pride for her supporters in an otherwise challenging night.
A defining element of Trump’s campaign strategy this cycle was its effort to appeal to traditionally Democratic Black and Latino voters. Recognizing the significance of this voting bloc, Trump appeared on male-centric podcasts and used direct, race-focused messaging aimed at capturing support from these communities. According to AP VoteCast, Trump’s approach appeared to yield slight increases in Black and Latino support compared to 2020, suggesting that some voters were receptive to his appeals. The survey of more than 110,000 voters showed that Black and Latino voters were marginally less supportive of Harris than they had been of Joe Biden four years prior, a trend that could be seen as a critical factor in the outcomes in southern states like Georgia.
The Harris campaign’s closing strategy focused on portraying Trump as a threat to American democracy, a theme that resonated with many of her supporters. According to Fox News, Harris warned voters about the stakes of the election, framing Trump’s leadership as authoritarian and incompatible with democratic values. This messaging appeared to resonate with a significant segment of Harris supporters, as VoteCast data suggested that concerns about the future of democracy motivated many of those casting ballots for the Democratic candidate. However, this focus on democracy stood in contrast to Trump’s messaging, which honed in on pressing economic issues such as inflation and immigration—two areas where he repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s handling.
For Trump’s base, concerns about rising inflation and immigration policies were pivotal. His supporters rallied around his promises to tighten immigration controls and reduce the financial strain on American households, with many citing these issues as decisive factors in their voting decisions, the AP report said. By addressing these concerns directly, Trump maintained strong connections with his core base, emphasizing his commitment to tackling economic uncertainty and reversing what he described as policy failures under the current administration.
The 2024 election reflected a deeply polarized electorate, with voters divided along lines of ideology, economic priorities, and social values. Harris’ emphasis on democratic principles and Trump’s focus on economic and immigration issues illustrate the distinct concerns shaping each side’s base. The results have reinforced the enduring influence of cultural and economic concerns on the American political landscape, with each party drawing on its foundational values to rally voters in critical battlegrounds.
In a hard-fought campaign that garnered national attention, GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas secured his third term in the U.S. Senate, fending off a determined challenge from Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, NBC News reported. Despite Texas’ deep-red lean, the race grew competitive in its final stretch, with Allred’s formidable fundraising and targeted messaging fueling a campaign that posed a significant challenge to Cruz. The contest ultimately called attention to the durable partisan alignment in Texas, where Cruz’s Republican identity proved a defining asset in overcoming an unexpectedly close race.
Texas is typically a safe haven for Republicans, but in the weeks leading up to the election, Cruz faced an increasingly competitive race. Allred, buoyed by an impressive fundraising operation, spent heavily on television and digital ads, bringing a focus on Cruz’s positions that many Texas voters found controversial, notably his support for the state’s six-week abortion ban. As NBC News reported, Allred’s campaign strategy concentrated on key voter concerns and took aim at Cruz’s stance on abortion as a way to appeal to moderate voters.
Allred’s appeal to women voters underscored this issue’s central role in his campaign. Yet, Cruz managed to keep his deficit among female voters narrow, with 47% of women casting their ballots in his favor compared to 51% who sided with Allred, according to NBC News exit polls. Cruz’s resilience among female voters helped prevent the issue from overshadowing his broader support base, contributing to his ability to hold his ground despite a strong Democratic challenge.
A surprising boost to Cruz’s support came from Latino voters, a demographic that historically leaned Democratic but has shown increasing receptivity to Republican candidates in Texas. NBC News exit polling revealed that 52% of Hispanic and Latino voters supported Cruz in this election, marking a significant increase from the 35% he secured in 2018. This shift reflects broader trends within Texas, where economic issues, social conservatism, and culturally resonant messaging have bolstered GOP appeal within Latino communities. Cruz’s gains in this demographic likely reinforced his position in critical areas across the state and offset Democratic gains among urban and suburban voters.
Throughout the campaign, both Cruz and Allred leaned heavily on messaging that portrayed the other as out of step with Texas voters. Allred frequently reminded Texans of Cruz’s infamous 2021 trip to Cancun during a winter storm that left millions without power. By highlighting this moment, Allred sought to frame Cruz as out of touch and inattentive to constituents’ needs, a narrative that gained traction in certain segments of the electorate. However, as NBC News noted, Cruz fought back with messaging aimed at casting Allred as aligned with national Democratic figures who remain unpopular in Texas, like Vice President Kamala Harris. In Sp
anish-language ads, Cruz described Allred and Harris as “dos liberales,” or “two liberals,” in an effort to link Allred to more progressive national Democrats.
Cruz’s final stretch of ads also touched on socially conservative themes, accusing Allred of supporting policies like allowing boys to play in girls’ sports, a topic aimed at consolidating conservative support.
The financial muscle behind both campaigns spoke volumes about the thigh stakes of the race. Between Labor Day and Election Day alone, Allred’s campaign poured over $50 million into advertising, a massive expenditure that emphasized his determination to reach as many Texans as possible. In comparison, Cruz’s campaign spent $26 million in the same period, with additional backing from the Truth and Courage PAC, which contributed another $23 million in support of Cruz, as reported by NBC News. Yet, Cruz still felt the absence of broader Republican Party support. In the campaign’s final weeks, he openly criticized the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, for its lack of financial backing. Cruz’s call for support highlighted the significance of each campaign dollar in an election where messaging, outreach, and presence could determine the outcome.
With this victory, Cruz begins his third term as one of Texas’ most visible conservative voices in Washington. His ability to galvanize Latino voters and maintain strong conservative support, even in the face of fierce and well-funded opposition, reinforces his influence in Texas and within the national GOP. The election’s outcome also highlights a changing Texas political landscape, where demographics are shifting, but core conservative values and party loyalties remain potent forces.
Ultimately, Cruz’s win over Allred serves as a reminder of the enduring challenges Democrats face in Texas, where GOP incumbency and alignment with state-level conservatism offer significant advantages. As NBC News pointed out, this race’s outcome reflects Texas’ current political identity and the broader national dynamics at play in a divided country where partisanship still largely determines electoral success.
In a pivotal election night for New York’s congressional landscape, Democrats reclaimed one congressional seat and retained another, providing a strategic lift to the party’s hopes of regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. As reported by The Gothamist, these developments come at a crucial juncture with former President Donald Trump seeking a return to the White House and Democrats positioning themselves for a possible majority in the House. The night’s victories, especially the Syracuse-based seat win by State Sen. John Mannion and Rep. Pat Ryan’s successful defense of his Hudson Valley seat, highlight the evolving dynamics in New York, a battleground state in the national race for legislative power.
In a closely watched contest, State Sen. John Mannion, a Democrat, managed to unseat first-term Republican Rep. Brandon Williams in a Syracuse-based district. This victory marks a critical gain for Democrats, bolstering their representation in New York and enhancing their pathway toward a potential majority in the House. Meanwhile, in the Hudson Valley, Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan successfully held onto his seat, a retention that strengthens the party’s foothold in a traditionally contested area. According to The Gothamist, these key wins carry additional significance as they boost House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Brooklyn Democrat, in his bid to become the first Black Speaker of the House. To achieve this milestone, Democrats must secure a minimum of 218 seats nationwide, though final tallies may remain uncertain for days or even weeks.
While these Democratic victories offered some clarity, several other crucial New York races remained unresolved. These races, especially those on Long Island and in the Catskills, attracted intense interest and tens of millions of dollars in external campaign spending, as reported by The Gothamist. These unresolved seats hold substantial implications for the balance of power in the House and could either solidify or weaken the Democratic position as the final results come in.
While Democrats achieved gains in the House, their hold on the U.S. Senate slipped, pushing New York’s senior senator, Chuck Schumer, back into the minority as Senate Majority Leader. The shift means Schumer will lead Senate Democrats from the minority position, bringing to the fore the stakes of this election as Democrats navigate power dynamics in both chambers.
As of Wednesday morning, several critical races in New York remained intensely competitive:
In the 4th District, Democrat Laura Gillen, a former Hempstead supervisor, held a 6,000-vote advantage over incumbent Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, with the Associated Press reporting that 98% of the vote had been counted. This district, located in Nassau County, has seen a close race with shifting leads, making the final votes crucial in determining the outcome.
Attorney Josh Riley defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro in New York’s sprawling 19th District, which stretches from the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes. According to The Gothamist, Riley’s win in this diverse district adds another critical seat to the Democratic column and further supports the party’s bid to consolidate a House majority.
In the 3rd District, which spans parts of Queens and Nassau County, Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi claimed victory over Republican challenger Michael LiPetri. While Suozzi and Gillen both declared victory late Tuesday, their Republican opponents had not yet conceded, leaving the final call pending but heavily leaning Democratic.
Despite these Democratic wins, Republicans retained significant territory in New York. In the 17th District, which includes parts of Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler decisively defeated former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones by over 16 points, according to the Associated Press. Lawler’s substantial margin reaffirms his position in a district that remains challenging for Democrats to reclaim. Additionally, Republican Rep. Nick LaLota secured victory in Suffolk County’s 1st District, defeating Democrat John Avlon by an 11-point margin, according to The Gothamist. LaLota’s success in Suffolk County reinforces GOP strength in the region, providing counterbalance to Democratic gains in other areas.
These New York races highlight the complex political landscape and call attention to New York’s critical role in the broader fight for control of Congress. The Democratic gains, particularly in reclaiming the Syracuse seat and defending the Hudson Valley, offer a path forward for Democrats as they seek a narrow majority. However, the party’s ability to fully capitalize on these gains hinges on unresolved races and the outcomes in other battleground states.
The Gothamist suggested that if Democrats succeed in securing a House majority, it would make Hakeem Jeffries the first Black Speaker of the House, an achievement of historic proportions. Jeffries’ leadership bid, however, remains contingent upon the final vote counts in districts yet to be decided.
