Battleground State

A battleground state can reasonably be won by either a Republican or Democratic candidate. 

The constellation of these states has changed over time. For example, Florida was formerly considered a top Presidential battleground state but is increasingly viewed as too challenging for a Democrat to win a statewide election. 

In 2020 and 2024, the top seven Presidential battleground states that were won by the slimmest of margins were Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, and North Carolina.

In 2026, the states that are expected to have the most closely contested Senate races will be referred to as Senate battlegrounds, while the most competitive congressional districts will be known as House battlegrounds.