U.S. Election 2024: How the Results Differ from 2020 and Why It Matters Globally

By BanglaLook News Desk

The 2024 U.S. presidential election has dramatically reshaped America’s political map. Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, returned to the White House with 312 electoral votes, while Democratic challenger Kamala Harris secured 226 votes. Compared to the 2020 election, where Joe Biden triumphed with 306 electoral votes, this year’s outcome marks a significant reversal in the balance of power.

At the national level, Republicans also led the popular vote by roughly 4 million ballots, underlining the depth of their resurgence across the country.

Electoral Map: A Historic Shift

• 2020: Joe Biden (Democrat) won 306 electoral votes and carried 25 states plus the District of Columbia. Donald Trump received 232 votes.
• 2024: Trump flipped several key states, taking his total to 312 votes, leaving Harris with 226.

The most striking trend: Republican gains occurred in every U.S. state compared with 2020. Even in traditionally Democratic strongholds such as New York, California, and Massachusetts, the Republican share rose by between 4 and 6 percentage points.

Examples of Major State Shifts

• New York: From Biden’s 60.9% in 2020 to Harris’s 55.8% in 2024, while Trump’s share rose from 37.7% to 44.2% — a 6.4% swing.
• Florida: Already leaning Republican, Trump’s margin expanded by nearly 5 percentage points.
• California: Democrats held the state, but the Republican share grew by 4.6%.

The Power of Battleground States

The seven battleground states — Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Nevada — proved decisive. In 2020, Biden had captured most of them; in 2024, Trump won all seven, adding 93 critical electoral votes to his tally.

• Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes): A narrow Biden win in 2020 flipped to Trump in 2024.
• Georgia (16 votes): Once seen as a Democratic breakthrough, it returned to the Republican column.
• Michigan (15 votes): Traditionally a Democratic stronghold, but economic concerns and shifting working-class votes boosted Republicans.

These shifts highlight the volatility of U.S. swing states, where even small changes in turnout or voter sentiment can reshape the presidency.

Popular Vote & Turnout

With around 95% of ballots counted, Republicans led the national popular vote by about 4 million votes. This margin, while narrower than some landslides in U.S. history, reinforces Trump’s dominance in the Electoral College.

Turnout remained high, reflecting the deep political polarization in the U.S. and the significance voters attached to this rematch election.

What Changed Since 2020?

1. Broad Republican Gains: Every state shifted toward the Republican side compared with 2020, though not always enough to flip the state.
2. Demographic Shifts: Republicans made inroads with Hispanic and working-class voters, while Democrats maintained strength among urban, younger, and diverse populations.
3. Economic Concerns: Inflation, jobs, and immigration were decisive voter issues — many Americans expressed frustration with rising costs of living.
4. Energy & Foreign Policy: Debates over energy independence and global conflicts influenced voter preferences.

Global Implications — Why It Matters for Bangladesh

While U.S. elections are a domestic event, the outcome carries global weight:

• Trade Policy: A Trump administration is expected to revisit tariffs and trade agreements. For Bangladesh, this could affect the garment export sector, especially if the U.S. pursues more protectionist policies.
• Immigration: Policy shifts could impact Bangladeshi diaspora communities, students, and workers in the U.S.
• Geopolitics: Changes in U.S. policy toward China, South Asia, and the Middle East may indirectly affect Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic priorities.
• Aid & Climate Commitments: Democratic administrations typically emphasize climate aid and global development more than Republicans. Trump’s return could mean reduced emphasis on international climate finance, something that directly affects vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The 2024 U.S. election results mark a decisive Republican comeback. Not only did Donald Trump reclaim the presidency with 312 electoral votes, but Republicans also gained ground in every state compared to 2020. The flipping of battleground states sealed the victory and highlighted the shifting political winds in the U.S.

For Bangladesh and other nations, the outcome is more than just American politics. It may influence global trade, international cooperation, and the economic climate in which developing nations must operate.