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Poll-Based Odds

Method
Our poll-based analysis sets itself apart from other probability models by focusing exclusively on the data from each state's latest qualifying poll. For each state, DC, and the districts in Maine and Nebraska, we compute the statistical probability of victory for each candidate based on the latest poll's sample size and candidate's polling percentage.

This approach allows us to capture late-breaking trends, although it's important to note that outlier polls can occasionally lead to wider swings in our forecasts. In contrast, other models typically average several recent polls within a state in determining each candidate's odds of winning that state. While this method can smooth out outliers, it may also overlook sudden shifts in voter sentiment.

There over 72 quadrillion possible outcomes in the Electoral College, each with its own probability and electoral vote value. From our 56 individual state-specific probabilities, we calculate the exact overall probability of winning the Electoral College for each candidate. In contrast, other models rely on tens of thousands, or even millions, of simulations to estimate each candidate's overall odds of winning.

Our track record is unmatched by any other model. Beginning with the Bush/Gore race in 2000, we've accurately projected the winner of the Electoral College in every election.

Electoral College Overview
In both 2016 and 2020, the Electoral College result was a 306-232 victory, but with different victors. What changed in 2020? Biden managed to reclaim the traditional Democratic "blue wall" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which Trump had narrowly won in 2016. Additionally, Biden secured razor-thin victories in Arizona and Georgia, traditionally Republican states. Biden also won Nebraska's CD-2, which Trump had won in 2016. With the 2020 census affecting the electoral landscape, the electoral vote distribution for 2024 would shift by 3 in Trump's favor, resulting in a 303-235 electoral vote count before any potential state changes.

Electoral College Analysis
We calculate the probability for each electoral vote race utilizing the data from our latest poll analysis. Here are the current states/districts where the chance of winning for Harris or Trump is 98% or higher, along with their associated electoral vote value:


Harris   189 Swing States   143 Trump   206
54-California
10-Colorado
7-Connecticut
3-Delaware
3-DC
4-Hawaii
19-Illinois
2-Maine
1-Maine CD-1
10-Maryland
11-Massachusetts
1-Nebraska CD-2
4-New Hampshire
 
5-New Mexico
28-New York
8-Oregon
4-Rhode Island
3-Vermont
12-Washington
 
30-Florida
16-Georgia
15-Michigan
10-Minnesota
14-New Jersey
16-North Carolina
19-Pennsylvania
13-Virginia
10-Wisconsin
 
9-Alabama
11-Arizona
3-Alaska
6-Arkansas
4-Idaho
11-Indiana
6-Iowa
6-Kansas
8-Kentucky
8-Louisiana
1-Maine CD-2
6-Mississippi
10-Missouri
4-Montana
2-Nebraska
1-Nebraska CD-1
1-Nebraska CD-3
6-Nevada
3-North Dakota
17-Ohio
7-Oklahama
9-South Carolina
3-South Dakota
11-Tennessee
40-Texas
6-Utah
4-West Virginia
3-Wyoming

Here are our current "Swing States" where we have a qualifying poll in the last 4 months and where the chance of winning for either Harris or Trump is less than 98%. For reference, we've included Arizona, and Nevada as they're generally recognized as "Swing States," though Trump's current odds of winning each are 98% or higher.

To secure the necessary 270 Electoral Votes for victory, Trump's easiest path is to win North Carolina (96% chance), Florida (94% chance), and Georgia (79% chance), in addition to winning any one of the remaining 6 states. Currently, Trump's best prospects of winning an additional state: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New Jersey.

Harris faces a more challenging path to victory. However, even if she were to lose Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada, by winning all three "blue wall" states — Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — (and Nebraska-CD2 where we don't yet have a qualifying poll,) she would secure a narrow victory of 270-268 over Trump, assuming she wins the remaining Swing States which Biden won in 2020.

We mathematically solve for the overall odds for Harris and Trump winning the Electoral College from the probabilities assigned to each of the 56 electoral vote races. With over 72 quadrillion potential outcomes, each with its own probability and electoral vote value, we compute the probability for every Electoral vote combination, summing the probabilities where Harris secures 270+ electoral votes, Trump achieves 270+ electoral votes, and where the tally results in a 269-269 tie.

Here are the expected electoral vote totals for each party:

We monitor new polls daily and adjust our probability forecast for the Presidential election accordingly. So far, Trump has consistently led in most Swing State polls. If the election were held today, our poll-based model would project him to win.



Senate Overview
The current Senate makeup consists of 47 Democrats and 4 Independents who caucus with them, alongside 49 Republicans, resulting in a narrow 51-49 majority for the Democrats. However, the West Virginia seat is currently held by Joe Manchin, who recently departed from the Democratic party and declared as an Independent, though he's decided not to run for re-election.

Jim Justice, the Republican candidate, is widely expected to easily win this seat. West Virginia was the second-reddest state in 2020 with Trump winning by 38.9% in 2020. This would put the starting point for the Senate at 50-50. This year, there are 34 Senate races with the Democrats defending 23 seats and the Republicans just 11.

Senate Analysis
We calculate the probability for each Senate race, utilizing data from the latest poll in each state. Here are the states where the probability of winning exceeds 98% for either party's candidate:


Democrats   44 Swing States   9 Republicans   48
(D)   California
(D)   Connecticut
(D)   Delaware
(D)   Hawaii
(I)   Maine
(D)   Maryland
(D)   Massachusetts
(D)   Minnesota
(D)   Nevada
(D)   New Jersey
(D)   New York
(D)   Rhode Island
(I)   Vermont
(D)   Virginia
(D)   Washington
(I)   Arizona
(R)   Florida
(D)   Michigan
(D)   Montana
(D)   New Mexico
(D)   Ohio
(D)   Pennsylvania
(R)   Texas
(D)   Wisconsin
(R)   Indiana
(R)   Missouri
(R)   Mississippi
(R)   North Dakota
(R)   Nebraska
(R)   Nebraska sp
(R)   Tennessee
(R)   Utah
(I)   West Virginia
(R)   Wyoming

Here are our Senate Swing States where the current chance of winning for either party's candidate is less than 98%. We've included Nevada as it's generally considered a Senate Swing State, though the current odds of winning for the Democratic party's candidate, Rosen, is currently 98% or higher.

We are currently monitoring 10 Swing States in the Senate. To secure the necessary 50+ seats for Senate control, the Republican's best chance is to secure victories in the 3 states they are currently favored: Florida, Montana, Texas. If they only win 2 of the 3, they can still gain Senate control if Trump wins the presidency.

The best prospects for the Democrats to keep Senate control is to win Nevada plus at least 7 of the remaining Senate Swing States or just 6 if Harris wins the presidency. They are currently favored in 6 states.

We mathematically solve for the overall odds for the Democrat and Republican to win the Senate from the probabilities assigned to each of the 34 Senate seats. With over 17 billion potential outcomes, each with its own probability and seat value, we compute the probability for every Senate seat combination, summing the probabilities where the Democrats secures 51+ seats, the Republicans achieves 51+ seats, and where the tally results in a 50-50 tie.

We calculate the odds of winning control of the Senate by prorating the odds for a 50-50 tie to the probability of winning the presidency.

Here are the expected Senate seat totals for each party:

We monitor new polls daily and adjust our probability forecast for Senate Control accordingly.

If the election were held today, our poll-based model projects the Republicans would take control of the Senate.



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