When it comes to the terminology surrounding key states in U.S. elections, the terms 'swing state' and 'battleground state' are often used interchangeably. However, according to political science professor David Schultz from Hamline University in Minnesota, there are distinct differences between the two.
A swing state is characterized by its tendency to switch its support between presidential candidates from different parties. For example, states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan have swung from supporting Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012 to Republican President Donald Trump in 2016, and then back to Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020.