A supporter of Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris, reacts as results are displayed during a Democrats Abroad election party

Democratic mood darkened as Trump gained key states

· RTE.ie

The atmosphere at US election watch parties shifted as results showed Donald Trump gaining ground in several key states.

US networks called North Carolina and Georgia, two of seven swing states, for the Republican candidate, narrowing Kamala Harris's path to victory.

"I am scared, I am anxious now," Charlyn Anderson said as she left Ms Harris’s election night event at Howard University in Washington.

"We won’t give up until it’s done, but I’m scared."

Supporters react in the stands after it was announced that Kamala Harris would not speak at an election night event

Others were bewildered when news broke that Ms Harris would not address supporters.

"He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense," said former student Ken Brown, reacting to Mr Trump’s early successes. "I don’t know who’s voting for him."

In Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, Democrats gathered in the western county of Erie appeared downcast.

"It doesn’t look good for Harris. It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe," said Lynn Johnson, 65.

Attendees watch election results during the Democratic Party of Georgia's election night watch party

What began as a lively watch party at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, complete with balloons and beer, grew sombre around midnight.

Organisers turned off the TV screens and asked attendees to leave the ballroom, advising, "Don’t turn on your television tonight".

In Las Vegas, Democrat Pablo Pleitez expressed concern for his Latino community. "So far, we are losing. Many in the Latino community are good people… they will be affected by Trump’s decisions," he said.

Path to win

On the Republican side, spirits were high in Michigan, where supporters gathered with growing optimism.

"Tonight is going to be a tremendous vindication for us once the election is called for President Trump," Bishara Bahbah, chairman of Arab Americans for Trump, said at a watch party in Dearborn.

"It will be a clear mandate for him and against the policies of the Biden-Harris administration."

The mood was high at a Republican election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Centre in Florida

Nigel Mahabir, a 48-year-old psychiatrist from Lansing, Michigan, expressed "cautious optimism," saying he felt "hopeful" for a Trump victory.

At Mr Trump's election night headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, supporters were in full celebration mode.

Giant screens displayed footage of Mr Trump dancing to YMCA by the Village People as the crowd laughed.

"I feel like Trump has won this election," said Moses Abraham, 22. "This is over, and I feel like the world’s about to be much greater."

Attendees react as 2024 US Presidential election results are broadcast during the election night event at West Palm Beach, Florida

Mr Abraham was among hundreds at the event.

What began as a tense evening of closely watching incoming results turned into a lively celebration.

"This is like 2016. I feel we’re on the same path to win," said Jo Ann Poly Calvo. "I feel very optimistic about tonight. Donald Trump is the perfect fit for America."