Trump takes early lead in US presidential election, winning North Carolina, Georgia
Donald Trump has secured victories in North Carolina and Georgia, and is leading in several crucial battleground states, according to CBS projections.
Wisconsin is also leaning towards a Trump win, with the former president narrowly ahead in Pennsylvania and Michigan, key Rust Belt states.
As expected, Trump dominated conservative strongholds from Florida to Idaho, while Kamala Harris swept liberal states from New York to California, CBS reports.
The Democratic candidate’s campaign suffered a setback when she decided not to spend election night at Howard University, her alma mater, after two swing states were called for Trump. Exit polls suggest Harris may have underperformed among women, securing 54% of female votes compared to Joe Biden’s 57% in 2020.
This election is poised to make history, with either Harris becoming America’s first woman president or Trump achieving a remarkable comeback. The outcome will also be influenced by Congress, which is also up for grabs.
Key Battleground States:
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Georgia: Trump leading
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Arizona: tight race
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Nevada: count just begun
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North Carolina: Trump won
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Michigan: Trump narrowly ahead
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Wisconsin: leaning towards Trump
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Pennsylvania: Trump narrowly ahead
Congressional Control:
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Republicans projected to win control of the Senate
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Neither party has an overall edge in the House
Historic Implications:
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Harris would be the first woman, black woman, and South-Asian American president
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Trump would be the first president to win non-consecutive terms in over 130 years, and the only president to be impeached twice and criminally convicted.