Mon Sep 23 21:29:01 UTC 2024: ## Nebraska Senator Blocks Trump’s Electoral College Push, Preserving District-Based System

**LINCOLN, NE -** Republican State Senator Mike McDonnell has thwarted Donald Trump’s attempt to change Nebraska’s electoral college system, leaving the state’s current district-based system in place for the 2024 election. McDonnell’s stance, described as a “key holdout” by The Washington Post, effectively killed off any chance of a winner-take-all system for Nebraska, a move Trump had strongly advocated for.

Trump, reportedly furious with the decision, publicly condemned McDonnell on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling him a “Democrat turned Republican(?)” and a “Grandstander!” The former president had hoped the change would help him win the state’s five electoral votes in November.

Nebraska currently allocates its electoral votes based on the winner of its three congressional districts, with two additional votes going to the state’s overall winner. Trump, despite likely winning the overall popular vote in Nebraska, could lose a single electoral vote to Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Omaha and its suburbs.

McDonnell’s decision, however, ensures this district-based system remains in place. The senator, a former Democrat, said he believes any changes to the state’s electoral system should be decided by voters, not by a last-minute amendment during an election year.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican who had supported Trump’s push, had even considered calling a special legislative session to vote on the issue. However, lacking enough votes, he ultimately abandoned the effort.

While a single electoral vote may seem insignificant, it could play a crucial role in a close election. In a scenario outlined by The New York Times, Harris could win the election if she captures the “blue wall” states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, while also winning Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. This outcome would leave both her and Trump tied at 269 electoral votes.

Despite the setback, Trump has not yet commented on McDonnell’s decision. However, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb praised the senator for “standing strong” and upholding the state’s tradition of independence.

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