The former President secures a key swing-state win as the race tightens across the nation, with other battlegrounds too close to call

In a crucial early win for his campaign, former President Donald Trump has been projected to secure victory in North Carolina, marking his first triumph in a battleground state on Election Night. According to projections from Edison Research and the Associated Press, Trump’s win in North Carolina is significant, as he previously carried the state in both 2016 and 2020, although with a narrower margin four years ago.

The race in North Carolina was particularly critical this year, as Vice President Kamala Harris had placed a strong emphasis on the state, campaigning aggressively to turn it in favour of the Democratic ticket. However, despite Harris’s efforts, Trump managed to hold onto the state, which is considered a key swing-state that could play a pivotal role in the broader contest for the White House.

As of the projection, the race in North Carolina had been called shortly after polls closed, but the broader picture across the nation remains uncertain. With polls having closed in most parts of the country, the results from other crucial battleground states—such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia—remain too close to call. Election watchers are bracing for a drawn-out night as these states, each with their own political dynamics, continue to tighten.

For Trump, this victory in North Carolina provides a boost early in the evening, though it does little to signal a final outcome as the race remains heated across multiple states. North Carolina’s demographic and political landscape, with a mix of suburban voters and significant Black and Hispanic populations, make it a critical prize for both major parties. Trump’s ability to retain the state is a testament to his enduring support, particularly among white voters without a college degree, a demographic that has been key to his past successes.

At this stage in the night, the campaign trail is tense, with each state expected to provide a new layer of insight into voter sentiment as the night unfolds. As Trump celebrates his win in North Carolina, the attention shifts to the remaining battlegrounds, where results could tip the scales in either direction.