E-Paper
Donald Trump wins key swing state Pennsylvania to surge ahead in US president race
Pennsylvania Election Results: Donald Trump surged ahead of Kamala Harris in a seesaw battle for the swing state that could determine the outcome of US election
Pennsylvania Election Results Live Updates: Republican Donald Trump took Pennsylvania, a key swing state that could play a crucial role in determining the next US president. Trump had wrestled into the lead, nullifying a significant early advantage taken by Democrat Kamala Harris in the crucial swing state. AP's early trends in Pennsylvania showed Harris starting with a 70% vote share, which came down to 51.6% an hour later before Trump nudged ahead to take a 51% vote share. AP called Trump the winner from Pennsylvania when 95% of votes were counted.
Both Democrat Kamala Harris and her rival, Republican Donald Trump, chose to give one final push in the last leg of their campaigns before voting.
This was another major move from both the candidates who have been in a close contest this elections, hoping to be the one to succeed Joe Biden.
At least 270 of the 538 votes of the electoral college are required for a candidate to win the election. Notably, a candidate can emerge victorious despite losing in the popular vote as the official winner is only announced after electoral votes are considered.
For a live map of the US election results, click here
Voting in Pennsylvania began at 7 am ET on Tuesday, November 5, (5.30 pm IST) and will close at 8 pm ET (6.30 am IST on Wednesday).
ALSO READ | Pennsylvania: Here's why 'nervous' Trump dropped ultra-right staffer in a shock move
Why Pennsylvania matters
Being the fifth-most populous state, Pennsylvania is the largest among the seven key swing states. It boasts of holding as many as 19 crucial electoral votes. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both making relentless efforts to secure this battleground, highlighting the significance it holds in the race to the White House.
2020 Election results: In the last presidential election, Joe Biden secured the swing state of Pennsylvania with 50.0% votes (51.3% nationally). Meanwhile his rival Donald Trump secured 48.8% votes (46.9% nationally).
Current controversy: A Donald Trump staffer was reportedly dropped last week from his job in Pennsylvania after he was found to be a White nationalist. A Politico report revealed that the 24-year-old male staffer had also made racist remarks online. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has also come underscrutiny in the past months. He was one of the leading contenders to become Harris' running mate, CBS News reported. Questions were raised over Shapiro's handling of a 2011 case of a teacher's death and over 'mishandling' of a sexual harassment complaint against one of his aides.
ALSO READ | Pennsylvania to have deciding vote? Why the biggest swing state won't go easy on both Trump, Harris
Swing state poll: The final Sienna College/New York Times poll, released on Sunday, showed favour for former US President Donald Trump in the swing state of Pennsylvania, where vice president Kamala Harris led him by 4 points. The survey was notably conducted between October 7 and 10.
