- Odds on which presidential nominee will win Pennsylvania currently favor Kamala Harris (-130) over Donald Trump (EVEN).
- Trump’s focus on Harris’ stance on fracking could cause an issue for Pennsylvania voters unsure of goals on the matter.
PHILADELPHIA – Fracking has been a major talking point for Pennsylvania residents in the 2024 presidential race, as the candidates attempt to make their stances on the matter clear. Donald Trump, who is a slight underdog in the odds to win the 2024 presidency, has been adamant about his support of fracking while Kamala Harris' stance is more on "I won't ban it".
The energy sector is a tipping point in a state where almost three-quarters of citizens identify as white, working class.
Trump has taken the offensive on the matter, even bringing it up for discussion during Tuesday's debate in Philadelphia:
“Fracking? She’s been against it for 12 years.”
While Harris backtracked her previous quotes and outlook on the matter, the election odds already shifted. As they stand, Harris is projected to win the electoral votes for Pennsylvania but it's projected to be much closer than anticipated.
Pennsylvania Election Odds - Electoral Pick
- Democrat -130
- Republican EVEN
The Importance Of Winning Pennsylvania
In the swing state with the most electoral votes (19), Pennsylvania is often aligned with the general public, voting for 10 of the last dozen presidents. And while no Democrat has won the election without Pennsylvania since 1948, Trump was able to break the blue run in 2018, becoming the first Republican to win the state since 1988.
Despite being a purple state, the state leans left. Holding a Democratic governor (Josh Shapiro) and having control of the house, the Democrats have the majority in PA with the Republicans only having a majority in the Senate, though the Senate odds support the relection for Bob Casey Jr. (Dem.) for 2024.
Oftentimes, many look at the presidential polls in Pennsylvania to get a guess on who will win or to gain further insight. But, recent polls haven't shown any discrepancy as the ones released just before the debate have it all tied.
| Poll | Harris | Trump |
|---|---|---|
| Redfield & Wilton | 45% | 45% |
| CBS / YouGov | 50% | 50% |
| CNN | 47% | 47% |
| Emerson College | 48% | 48% |
With less than two months until Election Day, will the topic of fracking be enough to push Trump over the edge to beat Kamala? While Trump’s numbers were better off in Pennsylvania against Joe Biden, the newest polls against Kamala will be heavily discussed over the next few weeks.