In a closely watched battleground state, former President Donald Trump has secured a victory in Wisconsin, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and gaining 10 Electoral College votes. This win is significant as Trump narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016 after becoming the first Republican since Ronald Reagan to do so, and lost it in 2020 to Democrat Joe Biden. Both candidates made Wisconsin a central focus of their campaigns, with Trump trying to overturn his previous loss through lawsuits and recounts. The Associated Press declared Trump the winner at 5:34 a.m. EST.
Wisconsin is considered a critical swing state with a history of close elections, with four of the past six presidential elections being decided by less than a percentage point. The state has a significant 10 electoral college votes and has seen a shift in voting patterns over the years. From the end of World War II through 1984, the state mostly voted Republican, but Democrats have won all seven elections between 1988 and 2012, with narrow wins in 2000 and 2004.
With Wisconsin being the whitest of the swing states and having a strong blue-collar presence, the political landscape is constantly evolving. Rural areas have become more conservative in recent cycles, but this has been countered by urban areas and suburbs moving towards the left. The outcome of the election in Wisconsin is closely watched as it could have a significant impact on the overall results.
Source
Photo credit www.pbs.org
