California, the most populous state in the U.S., wields significant influence in presidential elections with its 54 electoral votes. This number, the highest in the nation, is determined by the sum of its Senators and House representatives. The state lost one electoral vote after the 2020 Census due to a slight population decrease, marking a significant shift in its historical electoral representation. Despite this, California remains a critical battleground, especially given its consistent Democratic voting pattern in recent decades.

The Electoral College, comprising 538 electors, requires a majority of 270 votes for a presidential candidate to win. Each state's electoral votes correspond to its Congressional representation. The system, designed as a compromise between election by Congress and popular vote, aims to balance influence across states, preventing dominance by more populous areas. Recent surveys show a majority of Americans favor a national popular vote over this system, reflecting growing scrutiny about its relevance and fairness.

The 2024 election sees former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris vying for the presidency, with California's electoral votes being vital for both. Harris, having a strong connection to California, may benefit significantly from its support. The state's voting results could essentially determine the election outcome, especially as it remains a Democratic stronghold despite the loss of one electoral vote. The focus is also on other key battleground states that could sway the final electoral college results.