Swing states are typically colored purple on many election maps. That purple coloring reflects states where neither major party has a guaranteed win and both Democratic and Republican candidates are competitive, with campaigns and resources often focused there. The concept is that these states are not solidly red or blue, but could swing toward either party in a given election. Common examples historically include states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada, though which states are considered swing states can shift from one cycle to the next based on demographics, polling, and local races.