The 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections, held on November 5, 2024, brought significant concerns and issues to the forefront as voters demonstrated a clear focus on multiple pressing topics. Polls indicated that the economy, healthcare, democracy, foreign policy, violent crime, immigration, gun policy, abortion, racial and ethnic inequality, and climate change dominated voter priorities. In a reflection of the elections’ global implications, Anthony Sengbe, Executive Director of the National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia, participated in an international observer program organized by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Sengbe’s insights noted the unique decentralized nature of U.S. elections, highlighting the varying methods states employ to conduct elections, established through their regulatory frameworks and the complex interplay of campaigns, media, and voters within the electoral process.
The political landscape leading up to the election was characterized by a significant shift as former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, successfully defeated the incumbent Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, alongside his running mate J.D. Vance, emerged victorious, winning all swing states, including pivotal battlegrounds like Arizona and Georgia that had previously leaned Democratic in 2020. The election marked Trump’s return to power, after having previously served as President from 2017 to 2021. Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race after an underwhelming debate performance and growing concerns around his age and health. Biden’s withdrawal was historic, as he became the first sitting president since Lyndon B. Johnson to leave the race for his party’s nomination.
In a broader context, the election was the 60th quadrennial presidential election, where voters sought clarity on pressing national issues. Polling data revealed that the economy emerged as the single most crucial concern among the electorate, while varied perspectives highlighted immigration as a polarizing topic; it ranked as the second most important issue for Trump supporters, yet it was of significantly less concern to Harris’s backing. The political climate also showed a growing emphasis on issues such as educational reform and LGBTQ rights, although these were less foregrounded compared to dominant themes like the economy and healthcare.
The electoral process leading to Trump’s victory uncovered a series of significant developments and historical trends within the American political system. First, the 2024 election cycle illustrated the evolving nature of party nominations and the importance of primary elections in determining candidates for the general election. As a crucial component of the democratic process, primary elections allow major party candidates to secure delegates who ultimately select nominees during national conventions. Harris not only became the Democratic nominee but also selected Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, as her running mate—a decision endorsed by delegates at the convention.
In terms of political strategy, Trump’s campaign capitalized on voter sentiment and proceeded to dominate discussions surrounding economy-oriented policies while appealing to supporters’ apprehension regarding immigration and crime. The Republican strategy hinged on ensuring consistent messaging around economic recovery and public safety, utilizing social media and traditional media platforms to rally support throughout the diverse geographical landscape of the United States. Notably, Trump’s capacity to flip pivotal states that had previously backed Democrats indicated a remarkable shift in voter alignments, and his ability to secure the national popular vote marked a rare achievement for Republican candidates.
Ultimately, Trump’s decisive win—operating under the critical guidelines established in the U.S. Constitution, which dictate the eligibility requirements for presidential candidates—culminated in his approach to governance for the upcoming term. With a focus on rewriting economic policy and reinforcing immigration frameworks, Trump’s administration is set to shape the future priorities of the U.S. political landscape. The upcoming inauguration of Trump and Vance on January 20, 2025, signifies a substantial pivot in national leadership, amidst a backdrop of deeply ingrained partisan divides and intricate electoral dynamics that will continue to shape American democracy in an ever-evolving global context.
