USA: USA Presidential Election Results 2024
Updated: November 6, 2024, 20:19 IST
In a dramatic and closely watched contest, Donald Trump has been declared the winner of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, who has secured 279 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win, is set to return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States. His victory marks a historic political comeback after having served as the 45th President.
Trump’s Victory Speech
Addressing a jubilant crowd in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump expressed his gratitude to the American people: "I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president, and your 45th president... I will be fighting for you 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."
Trump’s victory was cemented after key projections from the battleground states of Alaska and Wisconsin, bringing his total to 279 electoral votes. Harris, in contrast, secured 223 electoral votes in a contest that saw high voter turnout and fierce political debate.
Harris’ Response and Unfinished Vote Count
Despite the projections, Kamala Harris has not yet publicly addressed her supporters. According to CNN, co-chair Cedric Richmond indicated that Harris would speak tomorrow. Richmond stressed that the race is not officially over as some key votes are still being counted: "We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue overnight, to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has spoken."
Senate Control and Down-Ballot Races
In addition to the presidential race, the Republican Party has secured a majority in the U.S. Senate, marking a significant shift in the balance of power in Congress. Control of the Senate is expected to impact key legislative agendas in the next administration, ranging from healthcare to immigration reforms. With both the presidency and the Senate under Republican control, Trump is poised to push forward with a conservative agenda during his second term.
What Happens Next?
While Trump has been projected as the victor, the official certification of the results could take days, depending on the final tallies in remaining states. Absentee ballots, particularly in key swing states like Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, are still being processed, and some results may not be confirmed for several days.
However, with a decisive victory in the key battlegrounds, Trump’s path to the White House seems secure. The attention now shifts to the broader impact of his victory on U.S. domestic and foreign policy and the future of the Democratic Party as it reassesses its strategy in the wake of this defeat.