Nebraska’s Potential Shift to Winner-Takes-All Electoral System Gets Opposed From Key Republican

Republican elephant and Democrat donkey on American flag.

Nebraska’s potential shift to a winner-takes-all electoral system could reshape the 2024 presidential race, with Republicans eyeing a crucial advantage in what’s expected to be a tight contest.

At a Glance

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is considering a special legislative session to change the state’s Electoral College system
The proposed switch from split-vote to winner-takes-all could give Republicans an extra electoral vote
Senator Lindsey Graham estimates a “50/50” chance of the change happening before the 2024 election
This shift could lead to a 269-269 Electoral College tie, putting the decision in the hands of the GOP-controlled House
Democrats accuse Republicans of changing rules to gain an unfair advantage
Rep Sen. Mike McDonnell opposes changing how the state awards electoral votes

Nebraska’s Electoral System in the Spotlight

A political storm is brewing in the Heartland that could reshape the 2024 presidential election. Nebraska, one of only two states that splits its Electoral College votes, is considering a switch to a winner-takes-all system. This change, backed by prominent Republicans including Senator Lindsey Graham, could have far-reaching consequences for the battle between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Currently, Nebraska allocates its five Electoral College votes by congressional district winners and the statewide popular vote winner. The proposed change would award all five votes to the candidate who wins the state’s popular vote, potentially nullifying the typically Democratic-leaning vote from Nebraska’s Omaha district.

Senator Lindsey Graham supports Nebraska's potential shift to a winner-take-all Electoral College vote system for the upcoming electionhttps://t.co/WBypRUx9nL

— Wayne DuPree (@WayneDupreeShow) September 20, 2024

Republican Push for Change

Senator Lindsey Graham has been at the forefront of this effort, meeting with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Republican legislators to discuss changing Nebraska’s electoral vote allocation. Graham, acting on behalf of the Trump campaign, has emphasized the potential impact of this change on the 2024 race.

“To my friends in Nebraska, that one electoral vote could be the difference between Harris being president or not, and she’s a disaster for Nebraska and the world,” Graham stated, highlighting the high stakes of the proposed change.

Governor Pillen has expressed support for the winner-takes-all system, stating, “As I have consistently made clear, I strongly support statewide unity and joining 48 other states by awarding all five of our electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who wins the majority of Nebraskans’ votes.” However, he has not yet secured the necessary support from state senators to call a special session.

https://twitter.com/CBSNewsColorado/status/1837288141687751124

A Republican state lawmaker in Nebraska, Mike McDonnell, stated on Monday that he opposes changing the way the state allocates its electoral votes, hindering an effort by President Donald Trump and his supporters to alter the system in hopes of gaining an additional electoral vote this fall. Trump’s allies have been advocating for a special legislative session aimed at having the Republican-controlled Legislature shift Nebraska’s system to a winner-take-all model, rather than distributing electoral votes by congressional district.

Potential Impact on 2024 Election

The proposed change could significantly impact the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In a scenario where Harris secures 270 Electoral College votes by winning Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Nebraska’s extra Republican vote could prove crucial. It could potentially lead to a 269-269 tie, pushing the decision to the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

“I hope the people in Nebraska will understand this may come down to a single electoral vote,” Senator Graham emphasized, underscoring the potential significance of this change.

While Republicans push for the change, Democrats have voiced strong opposition. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the GOP of “changing the rules because they can’t win legitimately.” The Nebraska Democratic Party has also spoken out against out-of-state influence and supports maintaining the current system.

A Broader Electoral Strategy

This push in Nebraska highlights the intense focus on every potential vote in the upcoming presidential election. It also raises questions about the potential for similar changes in other states. Maine, the only other state with a system similar to Nebraska’s, might consider switching if Nebraska does, according to its Democratic state House majority leader.

As the 2024 election approaches, the outcome of Nebraska’s electoral system debate could set a precedent for how states allocate their Electoral College votes. With both parties recognizing the potential impact of even a single electoral vote, the battle over Nebraska’s system underscores the high stakes and strategic maneuvering that characterize modern presidential elections.