Biden sweeps Trump in West Coast states

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is projected to easily win the West Coast states of California, Oregon and Washington on Tuesday.

The three states, longtime Democratic strongholds, constitute a gain of 74 Electoral College votes for Biden. All three were quickly called for the former vice president by The Associated Press and news networks shortly after polls closed.

Later on in the evening Hawaii’s four electoral votes also went for Biden, as the small Pacific island state voted Democratic as it has in every presidential election since 1988.

California, by far the largest haul of Biden’s western sweep, last voted for a Republican presidential nominee in 1988, when former President George H.W. Bush narrowly edged Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis in the state.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), who launched a White House bid before dropping out last year, is projected to defeat GOP opponent Loren Culp for a third term as governor.

Updated to include Hawaii’s results.