Debb Schultz files for U.S. Senate after leaving mayoral race

Debb Schultz files for U.S. Senate after leaving mayoral race

March 6, 2026Updated: March 6, 2026
By Peter Rice

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — A Grand Island woman who recently withdrew from the city’s mayoral race has now filed to run for the U.S. Senate.

Debb Axtell Schultz, from Grand Island, has entered the race for the seat currently held by Pete Ricketts.

Schultz joins a growing field of candidates: Republicans Todd Knobel and Mac Stevens have also filed for the position, along with Democrats William J. Forbes and Cindy Burbach.

Schultz previously ran for the U.S. Senate six years ago as a write-in candidate against Deb Fischer.

Schultz spoke with NCN where said some of her top concerns include improving mental health resources, ending daylight savings time and continuing to promote Nebraska on a national stage.

Schultz and her husband, Barry, owned and operated a Play It Again Sports store in Grand Island from 1984 until 2012, when they sold the business.

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