In a historic turn of events, Donald Trump has officially flipped Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a longtime Democratic stronghold, into the Republican column for the first time since 1988.
Final numbers confirm that Trump narrowly edged out Kamala Harris in the county, with 198,722 votes (49.39%) compared to Harris’s 198,431 votes (49.32%). The victory marks a pivotal shift in the political landscape of Bucks County, which had reliably supported Democratic candidates in every presidential election for over three decades.
The last Republican to carry the county was George H.W. Bush during his successful bid for the presidency 36 years ago. Local Republican leaders celebrated the win as a testament to grassroots organizing and a strong message of change resonating with voters.
Bucks County GOP took to social media to share their excitement, stating, “It’s official! The final numbers are in. Donald Trump has won #BucksCounty! This is the first time since 1988 that Bucks County has voted for a Republican for President! We’re immensely proud of our committee members, volunteers, and grassroots groups that all worked together to achieve this historic victory!”
The victory in Bucks County reflects a growing trend in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state where rural and suburban voters played a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the election. Trump’s campaign strategy focused heavily on economic issues, energy independence, and opposing perceived government overreach, themes that appeared to resonate deeply with Bucks County residents.
🚨 #BREAKING: FINAL results find Donald J. Trump won Bucks County, Pennsylvania – the first time for a Republican since 1988.
Late votes kept bringing Kamala Harris closer to flipping it – but she ultimately did NOT.@ScottPresler has basically been living here all year.… pic.twitter.com/zf5R1loLnm
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 22, 2024
Trump’s ability to court independent voters and regain ground lost in 2020 was critical in securing the win. Adding to the Republican wave in Pennsylvania, Trump decisively carried the state, winning 50.4% of the vote (3,542,701 votes) compared to Harris’s 48.7% (3,421,247 votes). This statewide victory secured Trump Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes and played a crucial role in his overall success in the 2024 presidential election.
In the days leading to the election, voter turnout soared in Bucks County. Crowds gathered at the county’s administration building in Doylestown, eager to participate in “on-demand mail ballot voting.” This system allows voters to apply for, receive, and cast mail-in ballots all in one visit. However, the surge in early voting resulted in lengthy wait times and eventually led to legal challenges. Citing issues with voters allegedly being turned away, the Trump campaign and other Republican groups sued the Bucks County Board of Elections. A judge sided with the plaintiffs, ordering the extension of the mail-in voting deadline to November 1.
Amidst the legal turmoil, Trump visited a local McDonald’s in Bucks County, where he interacted with the staff and customers. The stop was part of his strategy to engage with working-class voters.
Bucks County, often considered a bellwether for suburban sentiment, could foreshadow challenges for Democrats in future elections if the GOP sustains its momentum.
