Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that he will not call a special legislative session to change the way the state distributes its electoral votes, undermining Republican hopes that the switch could happen before November.

Former President Donald Trump and his allies have pushed state lawmakers to move to a winner-take-all system, in which the presidential candidate carrying the state gets all five electoral votes. Currently, three of the state’s votes are awarded to the candidate who wins each of the three congressional districts.

Pillen, a Republican, said in a statement that Republicans still do not have the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster in the unicameral Legislature, and said he and his team have “worked relentlessly” to get the votes find.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to convince 33 senators,” Pillen said, noting that Republican Sen. Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat, confirmed Monday that he would not support the move so close to Election Day.

“That is deeply disappointing to me and the many others who have worked so hard to ensure that all Nebraskans’ votes are equally sought after this election,” Pillen said. “Based on the absence of 33 votes, I have no plans to call a special session on this issue prior to the 2024 elections. I am grateful to the many Nebraskans who made their voices heard during this process.”

In 2020, Joe Biden won the Omaha-based 2nd District, defeating Trump by 7 percentage points and capturing the district’s electoral vote. That one vote could be crucial in a close election, prompting Trump and his allies to push for a shift to the winner before November. But Trump signaled Monday evening that efforts have stalled after McDonnell’s announcement.

“It would have been better and much cheaper for everyone!” Writing on Truth Social, Trump later added, “I love OMAHA, and won it in 2016. Looks like I have to do it again!!!”

It remains to be seen whether Trump and his allies will devote more resources to the state.

Democrats have far outspent Republicans on air in Nebraska, according to ad tracking company AdImpact. Since Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic Party in late July, Democrats have spent $6.7 million on ads in Nebraska, while Republicans have spent $170,000.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who represents the competitive Second District, said Monday that Trump could win that electoral vote as long as he continues to focus on key issues, including the cost of living and immigration.

“If we had a disciplined campaign and focused on those issues, I think he would do very well in our district,” Bacon told NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press NOW.’