Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump inched closer to victory, sweeping through all major swing states, including Pennslyvania, Georgia and North Carolina. As of Wednesday morning, Trump had 267 of the 270 electoral votes and it would take just a win in Alaska or any of the swing states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona or Nevada for him to return to the White House.
The former president, who held an election day bash at his Mar-a-Lago residence, declared himself a victor to a room full of supporters on Wednesday morning. No major networks have announced his win, except for pro-GOP media.
"I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president, and your 45th president," Trump said to a room full of his most devout supporters. He added that "God spared my life for a reason."
The initial results held no surprise as both Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris made big wins in 'Red' and 'Blue' states, respectively. The focus, as expected, was then on seven swing states, where the results were a close call.
However, defying the expectations of Democrats that the Rust Belt would come to their aid, Trump went on to win Pennsylvania, a key swing state, and Georgia. By IST 1:30 pm, Trump was holding strong leads in both Michigan and Wisconsin.
Over 130 crucial countries across the three 'Blue Wall' states gave Trump a major margin, over his 2020 stint.
The exit polls showed a trend very favourable to Trump with Latino voters and more women rallying behind him.
According to NBC News Exit Polls, the share of Latino votes almost doubled for Trump, compared to 2020. While 27 per cent voted for Trump in Pennsylvania last time, this year 42 per cent voters did. Young voters, who Trump campaigned actively targetted too leaned towards him along with independents and those with no college degrees.
Donald Trump's almost-certain victory is a historic event, considering that he is the first former president to return to power since Grover Cleveland regained the White House in the 1892 election. He is also the oldest person elected to the office.
Trump will also be the first person convicted of a felony to be elected president.
