Why Pennsylvania is Crucial for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Pennsylvania, known for landmarks like the Liberty Bell and the iconic “Rocky Steps,” is emerging as one of the pivotal battleground states in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. As one of seven key swing states, Pennsylvania is set to play a decisive role in determining the next president.

The state has become the focus of intense campaigning by both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Even billionaire Elon Musk recently made headlines by delivering a series of public talks across Pennsylvania, drawing significant attention to the race.

Voter registration numbers in Pennsylvania have surged in the wake of these efforts. Last week, Republicans gained 27,700 new registrations, compared to 12,700 for Democrats, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.

Pennsylvania holds 19 of the 538 Electoral College votes, the most among swing states, making it nearly impossible for a candidate to secure the White House without winning the state. In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden won Pennsylvania by a narrow margin of 82,000 votes, underscoring how even a slight change in voter behavior could dramatically influence the outcome in 2024.

With such high stakes, Pennsylvania will remain a focal point for both parties as Election Day approaches.

Here’s how Pennsylvania voted in the last six U.S. presidential elections:

1. 2020:
   • Winner: Joe Biden (Democrat)
   • Vote Share: 50.0%
   • Electoral Votes: 20
   • Margin: Biden won by around 82,000 votes, or 1.2%.
4. 2016:
   • Winner: Donald Trump (Republican)
   • Vote Share: 48.2%
   • Electoral Votes: 20
   • Margin: Trump won by about 44,000 votes, or 0.7%.

1. 2012:
   • Winner: Barack Obama (Democrat)
   • Vote Share: 52.0%
   • Electoral Votes: 20
   • Margin: Obama won by around 309,000 votes, or 5.4%.
4. 2008:
   • Winner: Barack Obama (Democrat)
   • Vote Share: 54.5%
   • Electoral Votes: 21
   • Margin: Obama won by about 620,000 votes, or 10.3%.
7. 2004:
   • Winner: John Kerry (Democrat)
   • Vote Share: 50.9%
   • Electoral Votes: 21
   • Margin: Kerry won by approximately 144,000 votes, or 2.5%.
9. 2000:
   • Winner: Al Gore (Democrat)
   • Vote Share: 50.6%
   • Electoral Votes: 23
   • Margin: Gore won by around 204,000 votes, or 4.2%.

Pennsylvania has fluctuated between Democratic and Republican candidates in recent elections, highlighting its status as a key swing state.