Special Poll
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced that the GOP’s effort to change how the state allocates its electoral votes, aimed at benefiting Donald Trump, has come to an end.
Key Reason: Pillen, a Trump ally who supported the idea, said there weren’t enough votes among Nebraska legislators to move forward with the change, which would have shifted the state to a winner-takes-all electoral system.
Background: In 2020, now-President Joe Biden won Nebraska’s 2nd District by about 6 points, while Trump secured it by a narrow 2-point margin in 2016.
Efforts to Change the System: Nebraska Republicans, including Trump allies, have been pushing for months to change the electoral vote system, but have been unable to gather enough support in the state legislature.
Statement from Pillen: Pillen stated, “Given everything at stake for Nebraska and our country, we have left every inch on the field to get this done… Unfortunately, we could not persuade 33 state senators.”
GOP Senator Mike McDonnell’s Role: The effort took a significant blow when state Sen. Mike McDonnell, who had recently switched from the Democratic to Republican Party, announced he would not support the change. McDonnell is expected to run for mayor of Omaha, and supporting the vote change could hurt him politically.
Constitutional Amendment Proposal: McDonnell said he supports passing a constitutional amendment in next year’s legislative session, allowing Nebraska voters to decide on the change.
Trump’s Reaction: The former president criticized McDonnell, calling him a “grandstander” and expressing support for Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, who McDonnell may challenge in a mayoral run. Pillen also called McDonnell’s stance “profoundly disappointing.”
Renewed Efforts: Trump allies, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, met with Nebraska lawmakers to push the vote change ahead of Election Day, but the lack of legislative support has halted the effort.