Nebraska is not a traditional swing state, but the state’s 2nd Congressional District could be one of the most hotly contested races to decide the fate of three pivotal races in November.
The race for the White House, control of the House of Representatives, and determination over abortion law in Nebraska will be heavily dependent on the critical congressional district dominated by Omaha, the Cornhusker State’s most populous city. Here is how the three battles will intertwine on Nov. 5.
Presidential race
Nebraska is one of two states that award its electoral votes based on congressional districts, the other state being Maine. The state’s 1st and 3rd districts, along with the two at-large electoral votes, are widely considered safely Republican, but the 2nd District has been seen as a true swing district that could tip the election.
Republicans have largely won all of Nebraska, including the 2nd District, in recent elections, but in 2008 and 2020, the district went for Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden, respectively. The 2nd District has an “even” partisan voting index, according to the Cook Political Report, and is rated as “lean Democrat” in the presidential race.