Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) announced his support for a bill that would change how Nebraska allocates its electoral votes in presidential elections, which could help former President Donald Trump if enacted.
Nebraska is one of two states, alongside Maine, that allocates its electoral votes based on popular vote in each congressional district with two at-large electors who mirror the popular vote of the entire state. Pillen backed legislative bill 764, which would change the state to a “winner-take-all” — meaning all five electoral votes would go to the overall winner of the state — and called on the legislature to send it to his desk in a statement on Tuesday.
Statement today on LB 764 — Winner-Take-All pic.twitter.com/g8KLOtATYo
— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) April 2, 2024
“I am a strong supporter of Senator Lippincott’s winner-take-all bill (LB 764) and have been from the start,” Pillen said. “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.”
“I call upon fellow Republicans in the Legislature to pass this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law,” he added.
Nebraska has largely allocated all of its electoral votes to Republicans since the provision to split allocation was enacted, but has split its electoral votes twice. The two instances came when the 2nd Congressional District, which has traditionally been a swing district, voted for Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama won the state’s 2nd Congressional District in 2008, earning one electoral vote from the state, and Joe Biden won the district in 2020, earning one electoral vote from the state.
The Nebraska Democratic Party said in a post on X on Tuesday they will work to “protect” the current system and argued that Republicans “can’t stand” that the 2nd Congressional District may vote for Biden again in 2024.
“The [Nebraska GOP] are eyeing #NE02 in this latest attempt to dilute our state’s influence nationwide. #NE02 has gone to Obama in 2008 and Biden in 2020. They know [Biden] can win in 2024. They can’t stand that a Blue Dot exists in the state. We will continue to protect it,” the party said.
Trump praised Pillen’s “strong letter” and urged the state legislature to pass the bill, arguing that “It’s what the Founders intended” and it would be “right for Nebraska.”
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“Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska, a very smart and popular Governor, who has done some really great things, came out today with a very strong letter in support of returning Nebraska’s Electoral Votes to a Winner-Take-All System. Most Nebraskans have wanted to go back to this system for a very long time, because it’s what 48 other States do – It’s what the Founders intended, and it’s right for Nebraska. Thank you Governor for your bold leadership. Let’s hope the Senate does the right thing. Nebraskans, respectfully ask your Senators to support this Great Bill!” he posted on Truth Social.
The state legislature’s current session ends on April 18, meaning Republicans would have to move fast to get the bill passed.