Early Wednesday morning, Donald Trump secured victory in the 2024 presidential race, ensuring his return to the White House after winning key battleground states. The Associated Press reported Trump’s election status around 5:30 a.m. when his win in Wisconsin pushed him past the required 270 Electoral College votes.
Trump’s path to victory was secured through decisive wins in crucial swing states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He also led in the popular vote with 51% of ballots counted.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic nominee following Biden’s withdrawal in July, have both contacted Trump to concede the race. The White House released a statement confirming that Biden called Trump to congratulate him and express his commitment to a smooth transition of power. Biden has also invited Trump to the White House to begin the transition process.
Harris, who entered the presidential race roughly 100 days after Biden’s unexpected exit, also spoke with Trump by phone on Wednesday. Through her campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris communicated her intention to work with Biden to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, specifically noting it would differ from the transition challenges of 2020.
The Democratic Party is currently dealing with their own internal conflict over the campaign’s outcome. Some politicians are particularly criticizing the handling of President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, which came after what observers described as a problematic television debate with Trump in June.
Biden, who had previously insisted he was fit for another term, ultimately stepped aside in July, stating his decision was “in the best interest of my party and the country.”
Following the conclusion of the 2024 presidential race, Harris is scheduled to address the nation at 4 p.m. ET from Howard University in Washington, D.C. With 277 Electoral College votes secured through early Wednesday, and additional states still being tallied, Trump is set to become the 47th president of the United States.