Donald Trump has captured North Carolina, securing the state’s 16 Electoral College votes in a pivotal win for his campaign.
North Carolina was seen as essential to both candidates, drawing intense campaigning right up to the final hours, with Trump making appearances across the state in the last three days. The Tar Heel State, a crucial battleground, became the first of the seven key swing states to go red, giving Trump’s campaign a major boost.
With this win, Trump’s standing in betting markets has surged, placing him well above the 90 percent mark in terms of potential electoral victory. This has heightened his path to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency.
Meanwhile, the mood within Kamala Harris’s campaign team was reportedly subdued, as they recognized the challenges they now face in claiming the remaining battleground states. For Democrats, North Carolina has been elusive since Barack Obama’s landmark win in 2008, with Trump now winning it in three consecutive elections.
The state witnessed a record voter turnout, with over 4.2 million residents casting their ballots early—breaking even 2020’s high turnout.
In particular, some counties in the western part of the state, which had recently been struck by Hurricane Helene, saw notably high participation rates. Election officials ensured that even those affected by the storm could cast their votes, providing resources and support to help residents navigate polling amid the challenging conditions.
Despite Trump’s success, exit polls revealed that only 43 percent of voters in North Carolina held a favorable view of him, while 48 percent viewed Kamala Harris favorably. This underscores the polarized voter sentiment within the state, though Trump’s victory here suggests that his support base may be more resilient than anticipated.
In North Carolina, the economy emerged as the foremost issue for voters, with 36 percent identifying it as their top concern in this election.
The state of democracy came in as a close second, at 32 percent. Other issues, such as abortion (13 percent), immigration (12 percent), and foreign policy (4 percent), also played a role in shaping voters’ choices. The emphasis on economic issues may reflect North Carolina’s regional concerns about growth, industry, and job security in the wake of national economic challenges.
Trump’s win here exemplifies the continued influence of swing states in American elections, particularly as both campaigns face close margins in other battlegrounds. For the Republicans, North Carolina has proven to be a consistent ally, contributing to their strength in the South. For the Democrats, the loss serves as a reminder of the work needed to reclaim key states as they look to the remaining battlegrounds to make up the difference.
The final outcome of the election now hinges on results from other critical swing states. With North Carolina settled, all eyes are now on states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. These remaining states will ultimately decide who takes the White House, and the tension surrounding each result underscores the high stakes of this year’s election.