Janice R. Andrews
A Republican state senator from Omaha, Nebraska, Mike McDonnell, has become a key figure in the 2024 presidential election by resisting his party’s efforts to change the state’s unique electoral vote allocation system. This development could significantly impact the closely contested race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Unlike most states, Nebraska and Maine divide their electoral votes by congressional district. In 2020, this allowed Joe Biden to win one of Nebraska’s five electoral votes from the Omaha area, despite Trump’s overall victory in the state.
For the upcoming election, projections suggest Trump will secure four of Nebraska’s electoral votes, while the Omaha district vote could go to Harris. This single vote might prove decisive in a tight race, potentially breaking a 269-269 electoral college tie. In such a scenario, the Republican-leaning House of Representatives would likely choose the president, favoring Trump.
McDonnell has stood firm against pressure from fellow Republicans to adopt a winner-take-all system, making him a crucial voice in the state legislature. His decision has also influenced two other Republican senators who are following his lead.
The stakes are high for McDonnell, who is considering running for Omaha mayor. Despite visits from prominent Republicans like Senator Lindsay Graham urging change, McDonnell maintains his position is not influenced by political favors from either campaign.
Governor Jim Pillen has expressed willingness to call a special session to change the system if sufficient support emerges. However, if the current system remains, Omaha’s electoral vote could be the deciding factor in specific election scenarios where Harris wins certain battleground states but loses others.
As the election approaches, Nebraska’s electoral system and McDonnell’s role have become focal points in this historic race, underscoring the potential impact of a single electoral vote in a closely contested election.
