On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the crucial battleground state of North Carolina. As a result of this win, Trump secured the state’s 16 electoral votes, outpacing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. This victory marks a continuation of Trump’s success in North Carolina, having also claimed the state in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Despite Trump’s past successes, Democrats had high hopes of changing the electoral dynamic this time around. They invested significantly in campaign efforts, which included canvassing neighborhoods and organizing rallies featuring Harris, believing that these strategies could overturn previous election results. Furthermore, Democrats attempted to associate Trump with the controversial Republican candidate for governor, Mark Robinson, to undermine his support.

Throughout the fall campaign, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, actively engaged with North Carolinian voters. Their campaign emphasized a protectionist economic message coupled with strong promises aimed at addressing illegal immigration and border security. Their frequent visits and focused messaging resonated with constituents, allowing them to maintain their stronghold in this pivotal state. The result was announced by The Associated Press at 11:18 p.m. EST, confirming Trump’s decisive win.