Nebraska Republicans are once again pushing to end the state’s split electoral vote system, renewing a debate over how the state awards its electoral votes. Under the current system, Nebraska is one of only two states — along with Maine — that awards electoral votes based on both statewide results and congressional district outcomes.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are leading the push to change the system to a winner-take-all model. Graham recently met with Republican state senators, urging them to consider how even a single electoral vote could sway the outcome of a tight presidential race. “It comes down to one electoral vote,” Graham said, underscoring the importance of making the change.
Nebraska’s Second Congressional District, which covers much of Omaha, has been a critical battleground in recent elections. In 2020, the district awarded its electoral vote to President Joe Biden, while President Donald Trump secured the statewide vote. Many Republicans believe that switching to a winner-take-all system would prevent Democrats from gaining an electoral vote in future elections.
The proposal has faced resistance in the past and continues to encounter hurdles. State Sen. Mike McDonnell (R), who switched parties from Democrat to Republican earlier this year, remains undecided. McDonnell is considered a potential candidate for mayor of Omaha, and the loss of the district’s electoral vote could have political consequences in his future campaigns.
Despite the opposition, proponents of the winner-take-all system believe the change could benefit Republican candidates in future presidential elections. The debate over the state’s electoral vote system is expected to continue as lawmakers weigh the potential impact of the proposed change.
