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To win the presidential race, a candidate needs 270 electoral college votes, and Pennsylvania holds 19 of these
Experts predict a close contest between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump in this battleground state. (File photos)
Pennsylvania, a state pivotal to the US War of Independence, has become the focal point of the 2024 presidential elections. Political experts predict a close contest between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump in this battleground state.
To win the presidential race, a candidate needs 270 electoral college votes, and Pennsylvania holds 19 of these. While California has 54 electoral votes and Texas has 40, Pennsylvania’s role is vital due to its swing state status.
With the fast-changing political dynamics, both the nominees now consider Pennsylvania a must-win. Thousands of volunteers from both campaigns have flooded the state, working hard to persuade voters.
Here are key points to understand why Pennsylvania is so important:
- Formally known as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the state has leaned Democratic since 1992, except in 2016 when Trump won.
- No Democrat has become President without winning Pennsylvania since 1948, making it critical for Harris.
- The state is home to around 600,000 Asian-Americans, with Indian-Americans as the largest subgroup. Both campaigns recognise they face significant challenges here.
- Key issues for voters include rising inflation and the increasing cost of living, particularly in grocery prices.
- Although it is a swing state now with 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania had 38 electoral votes a century ago, reflecting shifts in population and industry.
- Along with Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia also play crucial roles in determining the election outcome, as they can swing to either party.
- Trump has focused on topics like illegal migration, crime, and job creation while often speaking off-script during his Pennsylvania rallies.
- Recent polls suggest Harris is gaining momentum in North Carolina and Georgia, indicating a tight race overall.
- Known as the “keystone state,” Pennsylvania historically held the new Union together, emphasising its significance in American history.
(With inputs from agencies)