Democratic politician Kamala Harris has marked her presence in American politics by securing victories in several states across the U.S. In a hypothetical matchup against Republican candidate Donald Trump, these wins underscore her support base and the Democratic strongholds within the nation. As Vice President, Harris champions policies aimed at bolstering voting rights, combating climate change, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, and protecting abortion rights. Her economic agenda emphasizes job growth, support for the middle class, and affordable housing, alongside educational reforms to tackle student debt and expand community college access. This article breaks down the states won by Harris, highlighting the regions where she commands significant support.
Colorado
Kamala Harris secured a win in Colorado, capturing its 10 electoral votes. Colorado, while once considered a swing state, has increasingly leaned Democratic in the past two decades. The state’s shift towards the Democratic Party is evident in its voting history, with the last Republican presidential victory dating back to George W. Bush in 2004. This reflects a broader demographic and political realignment in Colorado.
District of Columbia
Unsurprisingly, Harris won in the District of Columbia, securing its 3 electoral votes. The District of Columbia has a long-standing and unwavering Democratic voting record. Its heavily urban and diverse population consistently supports Democratic candidates, making it a reliable part of the Democratic electoral map.
New York
New York was another significant win for Harris, adding its substantial 28 electoral votes to her count. Despite being the home state of former President Donald Trump, New York has consistently voted for Democratic presidential candidates since 1984, when it last supported Ronald Reagan. This enduring Democratic preference highlights the state’s progressive political orientation and large urban centers.
Vermont
Vermont continued its tradition of supporting Democratic candidates, delivering a win for Harris. This victory extends Vermont’s streak of backing Democratic presidential nominees in the past eight elections. Known for its progressive politics, Vermont consistently aligns with the Democratic Party on national issues.
Maryland
Harris won Maryland, gaining another 10 electoral votes. Maryland is characterized by a strong Democratic-leaning electorate, bolstered by a significant African American population, which constitutes approximately 30 percent of the state’s residents. The Democratic advantage in voter registration is substantial, outnumbering Republicans by a 2-to-1 margin. In 2020, Donald Trump received only 32 percent of the vote in Maryland, underscoring the state’s Democratic bent.
Connecticut
Connecticut affirmed its Democratic alignment by voting for Harris, marking the ninth consecutive presidential election in which the state has supported a Democratic candidate. The last Republican presidential candidate to win Connecticut was George H.W. Bush in 1988. Connecticut’s affluent and well-educated electorate generally favors Democratic policies.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts remained firmly in the Democratic column, awarding its 11 electoral votes to Harris. The state has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1984. Massachusetts is a bastion of liberal politics and consistently supports Democratic platforms.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island contributed 4 electoral votes to Harris’s win. The state has consistently voted Democratic since Ronald Reagan’s victory in 1984. This trend was reinforced by Joe Biden’s decisive win in 2020 and Hillary Clinton’s strong performance in 2016, solidifying Rhode Island’s status as a reliably Democratic state.
New Jersey
New Jersey added 14 electoral votes to Harris’s tally. A Democratic stronghold since 1988, New Jersey has a significant Democratic voter registration advantage, with nearly 1 million more registered Democrats than Republicans. The state’s diverse population and urban centers contribute to its Democratic lean.
Delaware
Delaware delivered a decisive victory for Harris. The state has shown strong Democratic leanings since the late 1980s, consistently allocating its 3 electoral votes to Democratic candidates. The last Republican presidential win in Delaware was in 1988, also under George H.W. Bush. Delaware’s political landscape firmly favors the Democratic Party.
Illinois
Finally, Harris secured Illinois and its 19 electoral votes. Illinois has consistently supported Democratic candidates since 1992 and remains a dependable “blue state.” The state’s large urban population, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area, drives its Democratic voting patterns.
Through these victories, Kamala Harris has established a robust electoral foundation in key Democratic states, positioning herself as a strong contender against Donald Trump in the hypothetical 2024 election scenario presented. These states represent core Democratic support and are crucial for any Democratic presidential candidate aiming for national victory.
