In many states this November, the presidential candidate who snags the winner's share of electoral votes is unlikely to be a surprise.

But across seven swing states – stretching from the desert Southwest to the Upper Midwest and back down into the South – the outcome remains very much in play, and the 93 votes up for grabs are likely to decide who ultimately ends up in the White House come January: incumbent President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump.

What Is a Swing State?

A swing state, according to a by-the-book definition, is one that’s “considered to play a key role in the outcome of presidential elections” and where candidates of both the Democratic and Republican parties “have similar levels of support.” The group of swing states is often similar during each presidential election cycle, though factors like changing demographics and turnout can make a traditionally red or blue state turn purple. Georgia, for example, swung into the swing state category in the wake of Biden’s surprise victory there in 2020 and Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock’s election win in 2022.

Trump and Biden – both of whom have clinched their party’s presidential nominations – already have made swing states a priority of their campaigns, targeting them with visits and rallies as the election season steams toward Nov. 5.

What Are the 2024 Swing States?

Here are U.S. News’ seven swing states to watch for the 2024 election. Click through to learn more about each state and its significance.

The 2024 Swing States

A total of 93 electoral votes are up for grabs across seven swing states in this year's presidential election.