In a rapidly intensifying race for the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in Pennsylvania, according to seven recent polls. The surveys reveal Harris and Trump are separated by just one percentage point, with another poll extending the gap to a slim two points. Pennsylvania, a key swing state, holds significant sway in deciding the election's outcome, given no Democrat has won the White House without it since 1948.

The significance of Pennsylvania's vote is underscored by the fact that if Harris secures a win in the state, and maintains leads in Wisconsin and Michigan, she is virtually assured of a White House victory. Conversely, Trump’s pathway to the presidency involves holding onto his leads in Arizona and Georgia, and winning North Carolina. Under these conditions, he would only need a win in one of the "Blue Wall" states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Wisconsin—to clinch the presidency.

Economic concerns dominate the priorities of Pennsylvania's voters. A CBS/YouGov survey indicates that 82% of registered voters in the state consider the economy a major factor in their 2024 voting decision. This is closely followed by concerns about inflation at 78%, and the state of democracy at 70%. These concerns are consistent with the national electorate's priorities, as a Pew Research survey similarly found that 81% of registered voters nationwide see the economy as "very important" for the upcoming election.

Amidst these economic concerns, Trump has targeted Harris for her historical stance on fracking—a critical issue for Pennsylvania, the second-largest natural gas producer in the United States. Trump has repeatedly criticized Harris for her previous endorsement of a fracking ban, a stance she expressed during a 2019 CNN climate town hall. However, Harris has since stated she no longer supports a ban. She clarified her position during a debate with Trump, noting that she made her opposition to such a ban "very clear" in 2020 and pointed out that the Inflation Reduction Act, supported by the administration, included provisions for new gas leases.

Political dynamics within Pennsylvania are complex, with a divided state legislature. Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, enjoys widespread popularity, and while Democrats control the House, Republicans hold a majority in the Senate. As the state gears up for what promises to be a crucial election, both parties are mobilizing to secure the pivotal battleground.