This story at a glance…

1. Donald Trump secures the presidency in a strong swing-state showing.

2. Republicans gain Senate control, positioning Trump for a smoother legislative path.

3. Trump’s campaign saw unexpected support among young men, especially those without college degrees.

4. Voter trends reveal widening education and urban-rural divides that may shape America’s future.

Five Key Takeaways from the 2024 Election Results

Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election, surpassing the required 270 Electoral College votes. Trump has secured 295 Electoral votes, while Kamala Harris stands at 226. Though votes in a few states, such as Arizona and Nevada, are still being counted, Trump’s substantial victories across critical swing states—including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia—have solidified his path back to the White House.

Trump’s third presidential run has proven to be his most successful, both in terms of voter support and in boosting the Republican Party’s influence at various levels of government. Despite initial predictions of a close race, Trump and the GOP made significant gains in both rural and suburban counties, offsetting Harris’s urban support and delivering Republican wins across numerous congressional and gubernatorial races.

Republican Party Secures Senate Majority as Key Seats Flip
One of the biggest developments from this election is the Republican Party’s control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans gained key Senate seats, including in Ohio, where GOP candidate Bernie Moreno defeated Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown, and in West Virginia, where Governor Jim Justice won following Senator Joe Manchin’s decision to retire. With the Senate now in GOP hands, Trump may encounter fewer obstacles in confirming cabinet members and advancing his legislative goals, such as tax code changes.

While the House of Representatives remains too close to call, Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. If the GOP retains the House, Trump’s administration could potentially move forward with fewer obstacles from Congress in implementing its agenda.

Younger Male Voters Shift Support to Trump
A notable shift in this election was Trump's increased support from young male voters, ages 18 to 29. According to AP VoteCast, Trump captured 55% of the vote among young men, a striking contrast to 2020 when President Biden won this demographic by 15 points. Trump’s focus on reaching younger audiences through nontraditional platforms like podcasts and social media appears to have paid off.

This trend is significant for the Republican Party, which has traditionally struggled to attract younger voters. The shift suggests that outreach to younger generations via digital media and alternative platforms can impact voting patterns, and may influence future Republican campaign strategies.

Democrats Fail to Expand Urban Margins
Kamala Harris’s campaign faced challenges in expanding Democratic support in urban centers, which hindered her results in key states. While she won major cities, her vote margins were comparable to those President Biden achieved in 2020, without the increase that many Democrats had hoped for. For example, Harris received 72% of the vote in Fulton County, Georgia (home to Atlanta), close to Biden’s 72.6% in 2020. In North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, Harris’s margin was similarly static, nearly identical to Biden’s previous performance.

With this urban support stalling, Trump’s campaign capitalized on enthusiasm among rural and suburban voters. This support allowed him to secure the margins needed for his victories in key battleground states, ultimately aiding his path to the presidency.

Education Divide Grows as Non-College Voters Shift Rightward
The 2024 election underscored a widening education gap among voters. According to AP VoteCast, voters with college degrees tended to favor Harris, who led by 15 points in that group, while Trump had a 12-point lead among those without college degrees. This 27-point education gap is larger than in 2020, when the difference was 20 points.

Trump also increased his support among Black and Hispanic voters, particularly among those without a college degree. His share of the Black vote grew from 8% in 2020 to 15%, and his support among Hispanic voters rose to 41%. These shifts suggest the GOP has gained traction with diverse, working-class voters, which may influence the party’s future outreach strategies and platforms.

Voter Demographics and Final Statistics
National turnout showed significant participation in early voting, with over 83 million mail-in and early in-person votes cast. Registered Democrats accounted for 40% of early voters, Republicans for 39%, and 21% were registered under other affiliations. Trump also won the popular vote with 73,231,873 votes (50.7%) compared to Harris’s 68,874,091 votes (47.7%).

As for key states, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania were called for Trump, while Arizona and Nevada remain too close to call. The demographic breakdown of voters shows a slight majority of women (51%) and higher youth participation, with 39% of voters aged 18 to 29.

Reflecting on the Election’s Impact
The 2024 election shows changing voter dynamics, with growing support for Trump among younger men, increased appeal to non-college-educated and nonwhite voters, and intensified rural-suburban turnout. The Republican Senate majority and possible House control indicate a shift in national governance, likely giving Trump more freedom to advance his policy objectives.

Reflection
In times of shifting loyalties and changing political landscapes, we’re reminded of the importance of unity and understanding. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to seek peace and unity, even amid differences, saying, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). As we look to the future, may we embrace opportunities to serve each other in love, seek common ground, and remember that true leadership is found in humility and grace..