At 5:30 am EST the election came to a close, as Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States. 

Trump ended his third campaign with 277 electoral votes, and won 51% of the popular vote. Throughout the course of the night, the polls continuously fluctuated, and the infamous ‘red mirage,’ took form as Republican votes came in early. 

The race was undoubtedly close throughout the evening, but as the crimson prominence was maintained, it quickly became clear that Pennsylvania would be the deciding state. 

As the democratic votes trickled in, the homebase for the Harris campaign at Howard University continued the morale until the end of the night, despite bleak projections. However, swing states were overwhelmingly red, ultimately allowing Trump to amass electoral votes swiftly. Republicans also took the victory in the Senate, flipping 3 seats. They are expected to take control of the House of Representatives, currently holding 198 seats, securing right wing majority in both branches. 

Local policy also underwent narrowly decided alterations, or lack thereof, as Lawrence’s city commission gained 51.82% support to maintain its current structure. Winning county commission candidates are as follows: Shannon Reid (District 2), Karen Willey (District 3), Gene Dorsey (District 4), and Erica Anderson (District 5). Dakota Loomis was elected district attorney, and Marci Francisco, Rick Kloos and Patrick Schmidt legislators.  

The next four years are unclear, but Republicans have a stronghold in the Executive and Legislative branches.