Incumbent Eley drops out of Hastings City Council race

HASTINGS, Neb. – Butch Eley is no longer seeking re-election as a Ward 2 representative for the Hastings City Council.

Eley made the announcement at the beginning of Monday night's city council meeting. 

"As of this afternoon, (Monday) I have dropped out of the election for this seat, and my name will no longer be on the ballot." said Eley. 

Mayor Corey Stutte thanked Eley for his service to the Hastings community. 

"Thank you for your service, Butch. It's been a joy to serve with you on the council." said Stutte.

Eley did not provide a reason for stepping down at Monday's meeting, but told NCN Tuesday morning that he was stepping down for "personal reasons."

With Eley's withdrawal, Larry Consbruck, who is vying for Eley's seat, will run unopposed in the November general election. 

Consbruck received over half of the vote for the Ward 2 seat in May with 877 votes for him, and only 388 for Eley. 

Eley was first elected to city council in 2016, and earned re-election in 2020.