battleground state; swing state
Used in US political contexts to refer to states where the election outcome is uncertain and both parties compete heavily. Often contrasted with 激戦州 (also meaning battleground state).
See also: 激戦州
In presidential elections, the results in battleground states often decide the outcome.
Both candidates are focusing on expanding support in swing states.
Compound of 接戦 (close contest) and 州 (state), modeled after English 'battleground state' or 'swing state'.