Nebraska Republicans are working to change the state’s electoral vote system to winner-take-all, reviving an initiative that failed earlier this year. Nebraska is currently one of only two states—along with Maine—that awards electoral votes based on both statewide results and individual congressional districts.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are leading efforts to push the change. They met with over 20 Republican state senators to discuss the importance of the proposal. Graham highlighted how one electoral vote could shift the outcome of a close election, stating, “It comes down to one electoral vote. I want you to understand what that one vote would mean.”
Nebraska’s current system allows the Second Congressional District, which includes much of Omaha, to allocate one electoral vote separately from the rest of the state. In 2020, this district backed President Joe Biden, despite President Donald Trump winning the statewide vote. Republicans argue that moving to winner-take-all would prevent this and secure all of Nebraska’s electoral votes for the statewide winner.
Despite backing from key figures, the proposal has faced resistance in the legislature. Some lawmakers, including state Sen. Mike McDonnell (R), remain undecided. McDonnell recently switched parties from Democrat to Republican, and his position could be influenced by local politics. He is seen as a possible candidate for mayor in Omaha, which could lose its unique electoral vote if the change passes.
Though the path forward remains uncertain, Republican leaders hope that shifting to winner-take-all would strengthen their party’s chances in future presidential elections by locking in Nebraska’s full slate of electoral votes.
