For weeks heading into the 2024 presidential election date, the New York Times public opinion poll revealed that Kamala Harris would get elected by a very small margin. However, just as the election date arrived, polls showed that Donald J. Trump and Kamala Harris were in a dead heat.

Many critics say that the 2024 election was the most unpredictable election; the result would have changed with even the slightest margin of error — so the pundits said.

As the polls were disclosed on Nov. 5, state by state, an entirely different scenario unfolded. Expectedly, states such as California and New York sided with the democratic party, supporting Kamala Harris, while states such as Texas and Alabama, to no one’s surprise, sided with the Republican Party, championing Donald J. Trump.

Results of the swing states became increasingly important with the close voting rate between the two candidates.With Pennsylvania’s electoral vote siding with the Republican party, Donald J. Trump was officially elected as the next president. He is scheduled to take office in the upcoming year, Jan. 20.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris made her concession speech at Howard University on Nov. 6. “Sometimes the fight takes a while—That doesn’t mean we won’t win.” Harris said.

“I think there are many changes to come due to his policies,” Kevin Kim (10), politics enthusiast, said. “His policies on tariffs, abortion, and project 2025 are so controversial right now.”

As the election ended in a close margin, the results caused much controversy regarding the policies that Donald J. Trump would implement it.