HASTINGS, Neb. – Hastings Mayor Corey Stutte has confirmed he is not seeking re-election, leaving the door open for a new candidate to take office for the first time in eight years. 

Two candidates, Jacque Cranson and Bill Hitesman have filed to run for Hastings Mayor.

Jacque Cranson has been a resident of Hastings since 2015, and is the current owner of the Small Town Famous Print Shop in downtown Hastings. She’s trying to be just the second woman mayor ever elected in Hastings.

Phyllis Lainson was the other woman mayor who served from 1988-1992.

“I think it’s important for my daughter to see that other women are leaders," said Cranson. "We hope more females will step up to be leaders.” 

Cranson has previously lived in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island and says her other living and travel experiences have allowed her to see how multiple cities operate, to which she’ll bring the best of the best to the table.

"I've lived in four different cities, and we travel a lot, so I like to find ideas in other places and bring them here," said Cranson. "I'm excited to bring new ideas to Hastings.

Cranson has also gotten three other women to run for City Council who she calls them four the 'Girl Gang' according to her social media post.

Bill Hitesman is the other early filer for Mayor. He was the Central Community College Hastings Campus President from 2002-2019.

He says he’ll draw from his 47 years of leadership and management experience to ensure Hastings remains ‘community-first.’

"I'll draw on those skills, and then work with the individuals that are in positions in the community, the department chairs, and say: 'What are the goals, and where do we see the Hastings community five years down the road?' said Hitesman.

Hitesman has been or is still involved on multiple community boards. Through those experiences, he says he’s learned how great Hastings really is. 

"Hastings has got so much to offer," said Hitesman. "I think we need to promote that, push that, and we're a great community. Let's focus on the positive moving ahead."

Neither Cranson nor Hitesman have a campaign website, and both say they're still figuring out next steps of their campaigns.

Mayoral candidates have until March 1 to file with the Adams County Election Commissioner.

If anyone else besides Cranson and Hitesman file to run for Mayor, a non-partisan primary election will happen on May 14, with the top two vote getters advancing to the General Election on Nov. 5.