The 2024 US election results was closely watched all over the world. Americans voted for president, senators, members of Congress, governors, and more. This article explains the main results of the election, what they mean, and answers common questions.
Key Players and Context
Before we dive into the results, it helps to know who the main candidates were and what the election was about.
- Donald J. Trump ran for the Republicans.
- Kamala D. Harris was the Democratic candidate, after Joe Biden stepped down as a candidate mid-year.
- People voted not only for president but also for the Senate, House of Representatives, and state and local offices.
- The world watched closely because the United States is a powerful country, and its policies influence many others.
Presidential Result
Electoral College
In the US, the president is chosen not directly by the number of votes (popular vote) but by the Electoral College. A candidate must get at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win.
In 2024:
- Donald Trump won 312 electoral votes.
- Kamala Harris got 226 electoral votes.
Thus, Donald Trump won the presidency.
Popular Vote
Trump also led in the popular vote, with about 49.8% of all votes cast, making him the first Republican since 2004 to win the popular vote.
However, many candidates beyond the two main ones also got some votes, so even the winner did not pass 50% in many states.
Other Results: Senate, House & Governors
Senate
Republicans gained control of the US Senate.
They flipped key seats (in states like Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) to build a majority.
In some states, tight or surprise races made news:
- In Michigan, Democrat Elissa Slotkin won a Senate race in a close contest.
- In West Virginia, the Republican candidate won by a large margin.
- In Virginia, the incumbent (Democrat Tim Kaine) kept his seat.
- In Florida, Republican Rick Scott retained his Senate seat.
House of Representatives
Republicans also held onto control of the House of Representatives, reaching the needed 218 seats.
Governorships and State Legislatures
- The outcome of governor races largely saw incumbents remain in office, and few seats changed party.
- In state legislatures, Republicans made modest gains, reducing the number of states where one party controls all branches of state government.
What Led to the Outcome
Several factors influenced the 2024 result:
- Public dissatisfaction: Many voters were unhappy with the economy, inflation, or how policies had changed under the previous administration.
- Swing states: Trump won all key swing states (states that change party) in 2024, including ones Democrats had hoped to hold.
- High turnout: The voter turnout was high—over 143 million Americans cast ballots.
- Strategic campaigning and messaging: Both parties focused heavily on issues such as immigration, crime, and the economy.
- Media and polling: Media organizations like the Associated Press have processes for declaring winners only when they are confident in the numbers.
Implications of the Results
- With all three branches (executive, Senate, and House) under Republican control, the party can pass laws and policies with fewer obstacles.
- The outcome may shift U.S. foreign policy, trade agreements, and relations with other countries.
- Domestically, issues like health care, immigration, taxes, climate regulations, and judicial appointments will likely see major debates.
- The result also signals a shift in U.S. politics: many counties that used to vote Democratic switched to Republican in 2024.
Challenges and Controversies
- Claims of fraud or unfairness: Some candidates and supporters raised concerns over voting rules, ballot counting, and election integrity.
- Legal battles: As is common in U.S. elections, litigation over close races, recounts, and certification can arise.
- Split electoral votes: In a few states (like Maine and Nebraska), the electoral votes are divided by congressional district, producing mixed results.
FAQs
Q1: Who won the 2024 US presidential election?
A: Donald J. Trump won, securing 312 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’s 226.
Q2: Did Trump win the most votes overall?
A: Yes, he got a plurality (largest share) of the popular vote, around 49.8%, higher than any other candidate.
Q3: Which party controls Congress now?
A: Republicans control both the Senate and the House of Representatives following the 2024 elections.
Q4: What about state governments?
A: Republicans made gains in state legislatures and held many governorships. Some states lost “trifecta” control, where one party governed all bodies.
Q5: What is a swing state, and why are they important?
A: A swing state is a state where neither party has a strong hold and which can “swing” either way. Winning these is key to winning the Electoral College. In 2024, Trump won most of them.
Q6: When does the new president take office?
A: The new president and vice president are sworn in on January 20, 2025.
