In a recent development, Donald Trump and his allies are intensifying efforts to alter Nebraska's electoral vote allocation system ahead of the 2024 presidential election. This push aims to block a potential path to victory for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Nebraska, one of only two states that allocate electoral votes by congressional district, has been using this system since 1991. The state's unique approach has made it possible for Democrats to secure a single electoral vote from the Omaha area, despite the state's overall Republican lean.
Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina and Trump ally, visited Nebraska to advocate for the change. Graham met with Jim Pillen, Nebraska's governor, and approximately two dozen state senators to discuss the proposal. The senator emphasized the importance of the change, stating, "It's not just about Nebraska. It's international consequences."
The proposed change has garnered support from Trump, all of Nebraska's U.S. senators and congressmen, Governor Pillen, and a majority of the unicameral legislature. However, implementing the change requires a supermajority of 33 Republican state senators to override a potential filibuster.
Merv Riepe, a Republican state senator, revealed that he had a brief phone conversation with Trump during Graham's visit. Riepe stated that Trump "wasn't threatening in any way at all" and merely emphasized the importance of the change.
"Primarily I think he was saying: 'Look, this is important to me. I'm interested, and I want you to know that I'm not just taking anybody for granted.'"
One key holdout in the proposed change is state Senator Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat who joined the Republican Party earlier this year. McDonnell has consistently opposed the winner-take-all system, though his office has not completely ruled out a change of position.
The potential change faces opposition from some Omaha residents who value their outsize role in presidential elections. John Cavanaugh, a Democratic state senator, warned of potential repercussions for politicians who support taking away the district's voice.
Nebraska's current system has only split once, in 2008, when Barack Obama won one electoral vote from the state. The system was initially implemented to encourage presidential candidates to campaign in Nebraska, with the Omaha metropolitan area accounting for about 40% of the state's population.
As the debate continues, the outcome of this proposed change could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election and beyond.