The presidential race is tightening in North Carolina and Georgia, with both states now seen as swing states by both major parties—a dramatic shift since Vice President Kamala Harris joined the race. watch below

Before Harris entered the race, Georgia, a state Biden won in 2020, seemed nearly out of reach for Democrats, while North Carolina, a state Democrats have won only twice in the past 50 years, appeared even more challenging. Now, both states have become toss-ups.

According to Scott Tranter from Decision Desk HQ, Harris is showing stronger performance in both states compared to Biden. She’s notably performing better among African American voters and has generated more enthusiasm among Democratic and some independent voters.

Recent polling reflects this shift: Trump leads Harris by 0.3 percentage points in Georgia, while Harris leads Trump by 0.1 percentage points in North Carolina. This indicates both states are now competitive. A Quinnipiac University poll also shows Trump with a slight edge in Georgia and North Carolina too close to call.

Fox News has adjusted its forecast to give Harris a slight edge in the overall presidential race, largely because Georgia and North Carolina are now seen as competitive. Previously, Fox News had favored Trump in these states.

Before Biden dropped out, Trump had a 4.9 percentage point lead over Biden in North Carolina and a 4 percentage point lead in Georgia. Since then, Harris has narrowed the gap significantly in both states.

Harris is intensifying her efforts in North Carolina, a key state with 16 Electoral College votes, focusing on African American voters. Her recent visits to Charlotte and Greensboro drew large crowds, surpassing Biden’s previous rally attendance.

Trump is also actively campaigning in these states, having visited Charlotte and Georgia recently and working to mend his relationship with GOP Gov. Brian Kemp.

North Carolina, which Trump won in 2016 and 2020, has shifted significantly with Harris’s entry. The state is now highly competitive, with potential Democratic gains similar to the surge seen in 2008 when Obama won by a narrow margin.

Winning North Carolina is crucial for Harris, as it would give her more flexibility in the northern “blue wall” states. If she secures North Carolina, it would greatly enhance her path to the presidency.

Republicans may face challenges from controversial figures like Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, whose extremism could alienate some voters. GOP strategist Doug Heye questions whether Harris will follow Obama’s strategy or expand her reach by targeting rural areas in North Carolina.

In Georgia, Harris’s campaign is benefiting from increased enthusiasm, particularly among voters of color and young people. The presence of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in both states could also boost Harris’s support.

Overall, the evolving dynamics in North Carolina and Georgia highlight the competitive nature of the current presidential race.