President Trump has secured victory in the 2024 election, with economic concerns emerging as a pivotal factor in shaping the outcome. Despite Kamala Harris’s efforts to appeal to women voters, the gender gap narrowed significantly compared to previous elections, ultimately contributing to Trump’s success.
The Gender Gap and Women’s Voting Patterns
Exit polls revealed that Kamala Harris won 54% of women voters, slightly less than Joe Biden’s 57% in 2020. While Harris maintained an overall advantage among women, Trump’s ability to gain support among certain groups of women voters played a crucial role in his victory. Trump made significant gains among different categories of women, particularly, he saw increased support among Latino women in key states like Florida and Texas. He also gained support among younger women voters compared to 2020, with more than four in ten women under 30 backing him. This is likely tied to the fact that over 60% of voters highlighted the economy as their biggest concern and over 20% of voters were concerned about immigration and security.
Swing State Dynamics
In critical swing states, the influence of women voters was evident. In Georgia, preliminary results showed Harris with only a 7-point advantage among women (53% to 46%), smaller than Biden’s 9-point lead in 2020. In Pennsylvania, Harris led among women by 12 points (55% to 43%), but Trump’s strong performance with men offset this advantage. Trump also won 45% of Latino voters nationally vs 32% in 2020, showing a large increase in support in critical swing states. These shifts in voter demographics and preferences were instrumental in determining the election’s outcome.
Economic Concerns Take Center Stage
Economic concerns were among the most significant factors driving women’s voting decisions. With the cost of everyday items like eggs and milk tripling in price over the last four years, many women, cited the economy as their top issue. This focus on economic stability overshadowed other social issues, including abortion access, that Harris emphasized during her campaign.
Other Key Issues
While economic concerns were paramount, other issues influenced women’s voting decisions. Abortion rights, for instance, remained a significant issue for many women voters. However, it did not mobilize support for Harris to the extent Democrats had hoped. Additionally, border security and immigration resonated with some women voters, particularly in border states like Arizona and Texas.
Looking Forward
The 2024 election highlighted the complex interplay of economic concerns, social issues, and demographic shifts among women voters. While Kamala Harris maintained an overall advantage among women, President Trump’s ability to narrow the gender gap in key demographics and swing states ultimately contributed to his victory. As we move forward, addressing the diverse priorities of women voters will be essential for future electoral success.
