Yeah, I think he's the first ever. Congrats on finding a fun fact only Atlas-level political junkies will care about (and I say that non-sarcastically).
I think the closest previous nominees were John C. Fremont and George McGovern, both of whom were at 4 EVs. Other <10EV nominees were William H. Crawford* (9), Alf Landon (9), John W. Davis (
, William Jennings Bryan (, James G. Blaine (6), Bill Clinton (6), Bob Dole (6), and Lewis Cass (5).
On the other hand, Senate party leaders seem to disproportionately be from small states.
Also Franklin Pierce, who was from NH, which had 5 EVs back in 1852 (& only 4 today).
