The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomePolitics & WorldElection2024 United States presidential election
Politics & World • Election

2024 United States presidential election

The 2024 United States presidential election was held on November 5, 2024.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The 2024 United States presidential election was held on November 5, 2024. Former president Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance defeated Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. Trump won both the Electoral College and the national popular vote, securing 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226.

Background

The 2024 election was the first U.S. presidential election conducted after the electoral vote redistribution based on the 2020 census. Joe Biden entered the year as the incumbent president, but Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee in August 2024 after Biden withdrew from the race.

Candidates

The major-party nominees were Donald Trump and JD Vance for the Republicans, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for the Democrats. Chase Oliver was the Libertarian Party nominee.

Results

Trump defeated Harris in the presidential race, winning 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226. He also won the national popular vote and carried all seven swing states.

Election process

Voting took place on November 5, 2024, and the winning ticket was decided through the Electoral College system, in which 270 of 538 electoral votes are required to win. Electors formally met on December 17, 2024, to cast their votes.

Key facts

  • The 2024 United States presidential election was held on November 5, 2024.
  • Donald Trump and JD Vance won the presidency, defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
  • Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee after Joe Biden withdrew from the race.
  • Trump won both the Electoral College (312 votes) and the national popular vote.
  • The Electoral College met on December 17, 2024, to cast formal votes.
🍁
Canadian context

The result affected Canada indirectly through U.S.-Canada relations, including trade, border policy, defence, and broader diplomatic priorities under the incoming Trump administration.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2024 election?
The 2024 United States presidential election was held on November 5, 2024.
Who is running in 2024?
The major-party nominees were Donald Trump and JD Vance for the Republicans, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for the Democrats. Chase Oliver was the Libertarian nominee.
Who won the 2024 election?
Donald Trump and JD Vance won the election, defeating Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
What were the 2024 election results?
Trump won 312 electoral votes and Harris won 226. Trump also won the national popular vote and all seven swing states.
What do 2024 election polls show?
Late-election polls generally showed Trump and Harris as closely matched nationally and in swing states, although many polls underestimated Trump’s eventual performance.
What was the 2024 election date?
Election Day was November 5, 2024.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_presidential_election
    Supports: Election date, nominees, nomination changes, and outcome.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_elections
    Supports: Election date, Electoral College threshold, and broader election context.
  3. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-2024
    Supports: Election date, winner, polling context, and swing-state outcome.
  4. Ballotpediahttps://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_election,_2024
    Supports: Election date, certification timeline, and Electoral College meeting date.
  5. CNN Politicshttps://www.cnn.com/election/2024/calendar
    Supports: Election Day calendar date.
  6. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/us/elections/2024-election-calendar.html
    Supports: Election Day calendar date and campaign timeline context.