Nebraska Governor Supports ‘Winner-Take-All’ Electoral Proposal

Nebraska GOP Gov. Jim Pillen has publicly endorsed the reinstatement of a “winner-take-all” system for awarding the state’s electoral votes. This change could have a significant impact on the 2024 election.

Nebraska, along with Maine, currently assigns its five Electoral College votes by district. This means that the winner of Nebraska’s popular vote receives two electoral votes, and one is assigned to the winner of each of the state’s three congressional districts.

A bill introduced by state lawmakers in January aims to return Nebraska to a winner-take-all system, a move supported by Gov. Pillen. He stated, “It would bring Nebraska into line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders’ intent, and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections.”

If this bill were to take effect before the November election, it could affect President Joe Biden’s chances of winning a second term in the White House.

According to analysis, this proposal could impact Biden’s path to victory, especially if he fails to secure the electoral vote from the Omaha area. Under a winner-take-all system, former President Donald Trump would have won Nebraska’s entire slate of electoral votes in 2020.

The Nebraska Freedom Coalition commended Gov. Pillen for his support of the measure and anticipates a floor vote in the legislature soon. Similarly, Trump praised Pillen’s leadership and called on Nebraskans to support the legislation.