In the early hours of Nov. 6, Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election, taking key swing states and securing enough electoral votes to return to the White House. The Associated Press confirmed Trump’s projected win in Wisconsin, which pushed him past the 270-vote threshold. Republicans also reclaimed control of the Senate, though the outcome in the House remains up in the air, adding to an election night that saw high stakes and high turnout. Ballots cast across the nation also addressed significant issues, including measures on abortion access and marijuana legalization, giving voters the chance to shape policy at multiple levels.
In a victory speech from his watch party in Florida, Trump celebrated the win as an “extraordinary comeback,” noting that he could even take the popular vote—a rarity for Republicans in recent decades. By securing a second nonconsecutive term, Trump joined Grover Cleveland as one of the few presidents in U.S. history to do so. His campaign had focused heavily on winning critical states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and Trump pulled through in all three, outperforming expectations in areas where his opponent had invested heavily.
This year’s election turnout looked set to match or even exceed the historic levels of 2020. In Georgia, election officials estimated more than 5 million votes by the time polls closed, surpassing prior records. Michigan’s officials expressed similar expectations, proud of the state’s strong voter engagement, while Pennsylvania came close to the turnout seen four years ago. Across battleground states, enthusiasm for both parties was evident, but Trump’s support proved robust enough to pull through where it mattered most.
The Latino vote emerged as a notable factor, with Trump gaining ground among Latino voters across multiple battleground states. Exit polls showed Trump capturing 45 percent of Latino votes nationally, an impressive jump from his previous numbers in 2020. In pivotal states like Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, his share of the Latino vote grew by around 10 points, signaling a shift in this key demographic. In Nevada, a close race showed both candidates evenly split among Latino voters, further underscoring how critical this voting bloc has become.
In a major shift for the Senate, Republicans seized control by flipping seats in Ohio and West Virginia. Ohio’s Democratic incumbent, a three-term senator, lost to a Republican challenger, cementing the state’s rightward turn. West Virginia’s Senate seat, left open by a retiring senator, went to the Republican candidate with ease, further bolstering the GOP’s numbers. As the new Congress convenes in January, Republicans will wield considerable influence over judicial and executive appointments, setting a path forward on a conservative agenda.
While the Senate and presidency have swung to the GOP, control of the House remains undetermined, with several critical races still too close to call. Republicans are projected to hold at least 198 seats, and Trump voiced optimism about their prospects in his post-victory speech. In places like New York and Pennsylvania, both parties saw some wins, with New York Democrats flipping a few seats and Pennsylvania Republicans positioned to unseat Democratic incumbents. The final count in the House will be pivotal in determining how much momentum Republicans can carry forward.
Meanwhile, voters tackled various ballot measures, especially on polarizing issues like abortion. Several blue states, including Maryland and Colorado, approved constitutional protections for abortion, while conservative South Dakota decisively rejected an abortion-access measure. Florida’s attempt to pass a similar amendment fell short of the required supermajority, marking a symbolic win for the pro-life movement. Voters were also split on marijuana initiatives, with Nebraska moving forward with medical marijuana legalization and Florida declining to expand access to recreational cannabis.
As the dust settles, Republicans are positioned to implement their policy priorities in both the executive and legislative branches. With Trump’s return to the White House, GOP control in the Senate, and a possible majority in the House, the party appears ready to drive forward its vision for America’s future, reshaping the political landscape and setting the tone for the next four years. This election has undoubtedly left its mark, signaling a new chapter in U.S. politics where conservatives aim to steer the country’s direction.
