Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is considering calling a special legislative session to award all of the state's Electoral College votes to the presidential popular vote winner, following pressure from conservative pundit Charlie Kirk and the state GOP. The move would change the current system, where votes are allocated by congressional district. Kirk and Republicans are pushing for the change, while Democrats argue that the current system better reflects the state's voter diversity. The potential special session would also address property tax relief, but the GOP is divided on the issue.
Former President Donald Trump reportedly pressured Nebraska State Sen. Tom Brewer to revive a winner-take-all system for awarding Electoral College votes, despite the legislative session's impending end. Governor Jim Pillen and Trump's campaign team have also joined the effort, aiming to change Nebraska's current system, which allocates electoral votes by congressional district. The pressure campaign has faced resistance within the Legislature, with a bill to return to winner-take-all remaining stuck in committee and a special session being floated as a potential avenue for change.
Efforts to change Nebraska's Electoral College vote allocation to a winner-take-all system, backed by Donald Trump and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faced a setback as the legislature announced it would no longer accept amendments attaching entire bills to other measures due to time constraints. The state's unicameral legislature, where Republicans hold a filibuster-proof majority, is running out of time to process legislation before the session ends on April 18. Despite the legislative path appearing closed, GOP Gov. Jim Pillen could still call a special session to address the issue, but faces challenges as proponents lack support from 33 legislators necessary to overcome a filibuster.
An attempt to change Nebraska's Electoral College system to a "winner-take-all" format failed in the legislature, with State Sen. Julie Slama's amendment not receiving enough support. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Loren Lippincott, did not have priority status and faced challenges in the tight legislative session. The push for the change has sparked political debate, with some advocating for a unified voice in presidential elections, while others argue that the current system ensures fair representation for rural areas and third-party candidates.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is backing a bill to switch the state's electoral system to a winner-take-all method, a move supported by former President Trump. Currently, Nebraska allocates Electoral College votes by district, potentially allowing Democrats to secure additional delegates. Pillen argues that the change would align Nebraska with most states and ensure a unified voice in presidential elections. Trump echoed this sentiment on his social media platform, emphasizing the founders' intent and the desire of Nebraskans. The shift to winner-take-all could favor Republicans by preventing minority blue factions from securing delegates.
