A push from top Donald Trump allies is underway in Nebraska to change the state’s Electoral College rules and award all of the state’s votes to the statewide winner, a move that could potentially benefit Trump’s chances of returning to the White House. Nebraska, along with Maine, currently splits its electoral votes by congressional district, making one of the state’s five votes competitive for Democrats. Sen. Lindsey Graham met with GOP lawmakers in the state to push for this change, which is also supported by the state’s congressional delegation and governor. The urgency of this push has increased as the election draws near, with Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris locked in a close race.
There is a scenario where Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, a swing district in the Omaha area, could play a decisive role in the outcome of the election. If Harris wins key battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, while Trump secures states like North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, the Electoral College could end in a 269-268 split favoring Harris. In this scenario, Nebraska’s 2nd District could provide the decisive 270th electoral vote for Harris, or potentially result in a tie. Nebraska’s congressional Republicans have urged their colleagues to change the law to avoid this scenario and ensure a united voice for the state in presidential elections.
Any legislative change in Nebraska’s Electoral College rules would require the governor to call lawmakers into a special session. Governor Jim Pillen has expressed willingness to do so if there is sufficient support in the legislature. Nebraska Democrats have shown support for the current electoral vote split arrangement, with some displaying yard signs symbolizing the district in blue amidst a sea of Republican red. The Democratic Party has criticized out-of-state interests for pushing for a change in the electoral process that is already underway, especially as ballots have already been sent out.
Republicans in Nebraska are divided on the issue, with some lawmakers opposing a switch to a winner-take-all system. State Senator Mike McDonnell, who recently switched parties, represents a district with Democrats who oppose the change. McDonnell has stated that he remains against the proposed rule change, despite hearing arguments from both sides. Republicans in Nebraska have struggled to change the rules since Barack Obama won a district in 2008, and Biden repeated this in 2020. The ongoing debate surrounding Nebraska’s Electoral College rules underscores the complex dynamics at play in presidential elections and the challenges of navigating a system that can have significant consequences for the outcome.
