Far-right conservatives in Nebraska are pushing for a winner-take-all system of awarding Electoral College votes, a move that would benefit former President Donald Trump. The Nebraska Republican Party, under Trump loyalist leadership, is advocating for this change to prevent President Joe Biden from winning electoral votes in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. The issue gained national attention when conservative activist Charlie Kirk called for the switch and urged Governor Jim Pillen to adopt a winner-take-all approach. Trump also expressed support for the change on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The potential impact of this change is significant, as an electoral vote from Nebraska could give Biden the 270 electoral votes needed for reelection if he wins swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The move to a winner-take-all system is being seen as a way to prevent this scenario from happening. State Senator Mike McDonnell’s switch from Democrat to Republican has given Republicans a filibuster-proof majority in the legislature, increasing the chances of pushing through the winner-take-all measure.
Republican lawmakers in Nebraska are making efforts to attach a winner-take-all amendment to an unrelated bill, despite constitutional challenges. State Senator Julie Slama was behind this move but faced opposition from colleagues. Although the push for a winner-take-all system continues, many lawmakers are skeptical about its chances of success. Slama herself expressed doubts about the amendment coming up for a vote again, stating that “Winner Takes All isn’t moving in 2024.” The window to change Nebraska’s system this year is closing, and the outcome remains uncertain.
With only five days left in the legislative session, the fight over Nebraska’s system of awarding Electoral College votes is intensifying. Republican leaders and activists are rallying for the adoption of a winner-take-all approach to ensure electoral votes align with the popular vote. The political maneuvering by conservatives in Nebraska reflects a broader trend of efforts to reshape election processes to benefit their preferred candidates, a strategy that has sparked controversy and opposition from critics. As the debate continues, the future of Nebraska’s electoral system remains uncertain, with potential implications for future presidential elections.
