GEORGIA, — Editor's note: The video above concerns election legal battles ahead of the 2024 vote.
Peach State voters have heard candidates, news personalities, and others use the term "swing state" for months—but what does that mean?
A swing state, also known as a battleground state, is a state in the U.S. where both Democratic and Republican candidates have a realistic chance of winning a presidential election. Unlike states that tend to vote reliably for one party, such as Texas (Republican) or New York (Democrat), swing states draw significant attention from candidates, who pour in resources to sway undecided voters.
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This is why Georgia has seen so many visits from Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.
Some states, like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, have shifted in and out of swing status over recent elections, while others, such as Florida, have leaned toward a particular party in recent cycles.
How did Georgia become a swing state
From Red to Purple
Georgia has historically been a Republican stronghold. From 1972 through 2016, the state voted predominantly for Republican presidential candidates, with the exception of supporting a southern Democrat.
However, the 2020 election changed Georgia’s political landscape. Joe Biden became the first Democrat since Bill Clinton in 1992 to win the state, narrowly defeating Donald Trump by just 11,779 votes, or a margin of 0.2%. This razor-thin win marked Georgia’s shift toward becoming a crucial swing state in national elections.
Why Georgia is a Key Swing State
Peach State Impact
With its 16 electoral votes, Georgia remains a pivotal prize in the presidential race. The state’s shift from a reliably Republican state to a swing state is due to a combination of changing demographics, increased voter engagement, and a heightened national profile.
Both parties have heavily invested in Georgia, recognizing it as a critical piece of the electoral puzzle that could determine the outcome of future elections.