Inside the 2024 Election: An In-Depth Autopsy

The 2024 election season has concluded, revealing a considerable Republican victory across various levels of government. Control over the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the presidency now tilts significantly toward the GOP.

This outcome, however, raises questions about its implications and the narratives surrounding it. Donald Trump declared his candidacy for re-election in November 2022, followed by President Biden’s own announcement in April 2023. The prospect of a rematch between these two figures became increasingly likely, despite it being a scenario many voters hoped to avoid.

The election cycle was marked by dramatic events, including Trump’s conviction in May 2024 and Biden’s faltering debate performance in June. July saw an assassination attempt on Trump, followed by Biden’s withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Kamala Harris later that month. Controversial statements from both candidates further fueled division in September and October, culminating in Trump’s November victory, making him the first president in over a century to secure non-consecutive terms.

According to Trump, this represents a historic political achievement for Republicans. In the House, they captured 220 of 435 seats, translating to 50.57% of the representation. The popular vote mirrored this outcome, with Republicans receiving approximately 50.55% of the votes cast.

The Senate story tells a different tale. While Republicans will control 53 out of 100 seats—about 53%—their popular vote percentage was only 47.72%. This indicates that over half of the electorate chose not to support Republican candidates.

In the presidential race, Trump secured 312 of the 538 electoral votes, equating to 57.99%. His assertion of record voter turnout is misleading; he garnered 49.72% of the total votes, significantly lower than Biden’s 2020 tally of 81 million votes. Compared to Biden’s record-setting campaign, Trump’s performance showed a decline of roughly 4 million votes.

This cycle’s controversies echo previous claims of “alternative facts,” reminiscent of Trump’s inaugural remarks about attendance figures, which were later countered by concrete evidence. In Trump’s 2024 victory speech, he described the election results as indicative of a powerful mandate, yet the reality shows that the American electorate remains deeply divided. Almost equal numbers supported both major parties, challenging the narrative of a sweeping Republican victory.

Looking ahead, the GOP holds a significant sway in government despite an almost evenly split electorate. As the nation prepares for the 2026 midterms, the expectations for how Republicans will navigate their control loom large.