A key Republican from Omaha is rejecting efforts to change how Nebraska allocates its Electoral College votes ahead of the 2024 election, dealing a blow to former President Donald Trump and his allies as they seek to ensure a sweep of the state in November.
State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a Republican, told his GOP colleagues he would not support an effort by Nebraska legislators to adjust the state’s electoral process and return to “the status quo” of awarding all its votes to a single presidential candidate. Other national Republicans, such as Trump and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), have also called for a change, calling it crucial for the 2024 contest.
“In recent weeks, a conversation around whether to change how we allocate our electoral college votes has returned to the forefront,” McDonnell said in a statement. “I respect the desire of some of my colleagues to have this discussion, and I have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue.”
“After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change,” he added.
Nebraska operates under a congressional district method, meaning the state allocates two electoral votes to the candidate who wins the statewide popular vote and then awards one electoral vote to the popular vote winner in each congressional district. Nebraska has three congressional districts, creating four popular vote contests in the state, often leading to a split electoral outcome.
As a result, Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District holds one of the most coveted electoral votes in the country — and could determine the November election if it comes down to just one vote.
Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) has said he would consider calling a special session to vote on changing how the state distributes its electoral votes if there is enough support among state lawmakers, but so far, that has not accumulated.
There are 49 senators in the Nebraska legislature, meaning 25 votes are needed for a majority, but 33 are needed to avoid a filibuster. There are 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one independent in the legislature.
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The swing district in question has pivoted back and forth over the last decade, with former President Barack Obama winning it in 2008 before Republican nominee Mitt Romney took it back in 2012. Trump then secured the district in 2016 before it swung back to Democrats in 2020.
Now, the single electoral vote could be what breaks a 269-269 tie in the Electoral College, a distinct possibility given the 2024 map, and both campaigns are pouring resources into the district to ensure a victory.
