In what many consider to be the most important U.S. Presidential election of the 21st century, a combination of demographic flips and voter turnout dips helped Donald J. Trump secure his 312-226 victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, cementing his position as the 47th President of the United States.
In a race that was widely expected to take multiple days and feature countless calls for recounts, the State of Wisconsin served as the metaphorical “dagger” being called for Trump by the Associated Press at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 6, 2024.
It culminated an incredible comeback for Trump following his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020.
As soon as the polls closed on the East Coast, Trump and Harris began to rack up votes in their stronghold states in the South and Northeast, respectively. As the night went on, Trump racked up votes in crucial swing states, flipping previously blue-leaning states like Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Dips in voter turnout in these key battleground states spoiled Harris’ hopes of victory and
threw Trump over the threshold.
Some students, like Carter Ehrhart ‘26, were thoroughly invested in the election and overjoyed with the results.
When asked about his election-watching process, Ehrhart responded, “My family and I stayed up to watch the election. I think that Trump was the better candidate by far and deserved to win. I’m really happy with the results and can’t wait for the next four years.”
Other students, such as Adam Dempsey ‘25, were also invested in the election but experienced different emotions.
He opined, “It’s a sad day when a convicted sex offender gets elected to be a president. I don’t know how a convicted felon, sex offender and racist wins almost in a landslide. It is truly sad to think about the coming months.” Since the results were announced, discussions, comments and debates have occurred across campus. Amidst all the chaos that comes with election night, some students, like Jack Horan ‘26, are trying to remain neutral.
When asked about his stance on the election, he responded, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. No matter who we wanted to win the election, we are all one Loyola family and deserve to be treated with respect.”