swing state
noun
plural swing states
US politics
: a U.S. state in which Republican and Democratic candidates have similar levels of support and which is considered to play a key role in the outcome of presidential elections
The politics of immigration in Florida, a key swing state, are not as clear as they are in California.—
Tom Masland et al.
Tom Masland et al.If he is so polarizing, how was he elected five times in a swing state?—Nancy Gibbs et al.
Nancy Gibbs et al.Examples of swing state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Handling potential splits in his base and securing votes from all states in the nation will be important when voters head to the midterms in November 2026, particularly in swing states Trump won in 2024 where every vote matters.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The strategist argued that a candidate like Whatley is a riskier bet in the swing state.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 27 July 2025
Swing states governors race a test of Trump policies, Dems messaging
Most of next year's gubernatorial races will be centered on the six swing states, of which four are currently controlled by Democrats and two by Republicans.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 July 2025
Musk helped form America PAC last year to boost Trump's support among low-propensity voters in swing states such as Wisconsin.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swing state
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Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
The strategist argued that a candidate like Whatley is a riskier bet in the swing state.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 27 July 2025
Swing states governors race a test of Trump policies, Dems messaging
Most of next year's gubernatorial races will be centered on the six swing states, of which four are currently controlled by Democrats and two by Republicans.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 July 2025
Musk helped form America PAC last year to boost Trump's support among low-propensity voters in swing states such as Wisconsin.
—Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swing state
Cite this Entry
“Swing state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swing%20state. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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