Donald Trump was projected to become the 47th president early Wednesday, marking the most remarkable political comeback in American history. At 78, Trump was on track for an Electoral College landslide over Vice President Kamala Harris, reversing his 2020 losses in key states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He secured significant support from white rural and working-class voters while also making notable gains among ethnic minorities.
The former president's victory was a significant win for Republicans, who were also projected to regain control of the Senate after four years in the minority. The House of Representatives' majority remained uncertain, with results expected to be determined over the coming days. In a repeat of 2016, thousands of Harris supporters gathered at Howard University were left disheartened and in tears as it became apparent their candidate could not win. Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond informed the crowd that Harris would not be making an appearance that night, stating, "We still have votes to count... so you won't hear from the vice president tonight."
Trump projected confidence against Harris in the final days of the race, focusing on male voters and a rigorous schedule of rallies and media appearances. Meanwhile, Harris downplayed her potential to make history as the first female president and her racial identity, instead campaigning as a champion for small businesses and the middle class. Trump's victory made him the second president to be elected in non-consecutive cycles, following Democrat Grover Cleveland.
The race was considered highly competitive up to Election Day, with both candidates facing scrutiny for rhetorical blunders. Both Trump and Harris were seen as incumbents in a way, given Trump's rejection in 2020 and Harris' nomination after Biden's withdrawal. Trump's campaign faced unprecedented criminal indictments and potential death threats, while Harris secured her party's nomination following a push by top Democrats to remove Biden from the 2024 ballot.
Harris' campaign raised record funds, allowing for targeted ads that highlighted her shift from a career prosecutor to a centrist lawmaker. Trump's fundraising received a boost from Democrat defectors, including Bill Ackman and Elon Musk. Harris softened her stance on issues like fracking and border enforcement, while Trump campaigned on promises to secure the border and support domestic oil and gas industries.
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