Study links 2024 electoral map to widening mortality gap
Mortality rates in 2024 were significantly higher in states that voted for Trump than in those that voted for Harris, study finds.
(Samuel Corum/AFP via Getty Images)
An analysis published on Nov. 3, 2026, in the health news outlet STAT highlights a significant disparity in health outcomes across the United States based on political geography. The report examines how age-adjusted mortality rates diverged between states that supported different candidates in the 2024 presidential election.
According to the authors, Brandon Yan, Maddie Feldmeier, and Renee Y. Hsia, the age-adjusted mortality rate in 2024 was 19.2% higher in states that voted for Donald Trump compared to those that voted for Kamala Harris. The researchers noted that this health divide has continued to widen over time.
The authors identified chronic disease and unequal access to health care as the primary drivers behind these mortality differences. The analysis suggests that the leading causes of death vary significantly depending on the political leanings of a state, contributing to the observed gap in population health outcomes.
The article serves as an examination of existing public health and electoral data, highlighting the intersection of political geography and health disparities. The findings contribute to broader ongoing discussions regarding the impact of health policies on mortality rates across the country.