Nebraska lawmakers are under increasing pressure to change the state’s distinctive presidential electoral system to a winner-take-all approach, a move favored by former President Donald Trump, just ahead of the November elections.
Governor Jim Pillen hosted a luncheon for conservative legislators at the governor’s mansion on Wednesday, where Republican Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina joined prominent political figures advocating for the switch. Several lawmakers and Graham’s spokeswoman confirmed his attendance.
This push for change has gained momentum following calls from both Pillen and Trump in April to alter a system that has allowed Democrats to secure one electoral vote twice since its implementation in 1992.
Currently, Nebraska awards two of its five electoral votes to the statewide winner while the remaining three are given to the winners of the state’s three congressional districts, a setup resembling that of Maine. This arrangement has made Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, encompassing Omaha, a vital battleground. Joe Biden and Barack Obama won the district in 2020 and 2008, while Trump and Mitt Romney triumphed there in 2016 and 2012, respectively.
The conservatives’ campaign to implement a winner-take-all model, used by 48 other states, reignited in April after a right-wing radio host warned that Nebraska’s current voting system could jeopardize Trump’s chances in the upcoming presidential race.
During his visit, Graham emphasized the importance of every electoral vote in the close contest between Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, according to state Senator Loren Lippincott, who proposed a bill last year for the winner-take-all model in Nebraska.
“Governor Pillen wanted to highlight the significance of the upcoming election, making sure Nebraska understands every electoral vote matters,” Lippincott stated.
However, Lippincott and fellow Senator Tom Brewer indicated that Graham’s visit did not significantly bolster support for the proposed change. In April, lawmakers acknowledged it was “procedurally impossible” to enact the legislation within the remaining days of the session after an earlier procedural motion was defeated.
Nevertheless, conservative pressure is intensifying. Following Graham’s visit, Nebraska’s congressional delegation, consisting entirely of Republicans, sent a letter urging Pillen and Senate Speaker John Arch to move forward with the winner-take-all system. Led by Rep. Mike Flood, they asserted that it is time for Nebraska to align with the majority of states on this issue.
Pillen, whose office did not provide a comment, mentioned last week his willingness to call a special session of the Legislature to address this longstanding issue, contingent upon securing public support from a filibuster-proof majority of lawmakers.
Enacting the winner-take-all model would require backing from at least 33 of Nebraska’s 49 lawmakers, but current assessments indicate that there may be a shortage of support.
“We’re about two or three votes short of what we need,” Lippincott said, adding that recent discussions did not shift the situation.
Brewer echoed this sentiment, stating he appreciated Graham’s effort but doubted the likelihood of success.
Conservative lawmakers hold a majority in the Legislature, though one member, Senator Mike McDonnell, has expressed opposition to the winner-take-all switch, even after changing his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in April.
Early voting preparations are underway, with ballots set to be mailed starting September 30, highlighting the urgency of the proposed changes before the election.
Opposition from Democrats remains strong, with criticism of the push seen as an attempt to manipulate electoral rules in favor of Trump. Civil rights attorney and state Senator Danielle Conrad characterized the efforts as an indication that Republicans doubt their candidate’s appeal and suggested it could potentially energize Democratic voters.
Despite the intentions behind the change, analysts caution that shifting to a winner-take-all system could backfire, potentially weakening Republican positions in down-ballot races.