Which states does the winner-take-all system prompt candidates to focus on?

The winner-take-all system prompts candidates to focus on states with large populations because these states have a greater number of electoral votes that can significantly impact the outcome of an election. In this system, the candidate who wins the majority of popular votes in that state receives all of its electoral votes. As a result, candidates often prioritize campaigning in populous states such as California, Texas, and New York, since winning these states can lead to a substantial advantage in the overall electoral vote count. The concentration of voters in larger states makes them key targets for candidates aiming to secure a victory in the electoral college.