Shaylee Scranton of Thedford has filed to challenge incumbent State Sen. Mike Jacobson for the District 42 seat in the Nebraska Legislature, the candidates told the North Platte Bulletin.
Background on the candidates
Mike Jacobson, 72, was appointed to the Legislature in February 2022 to fill the unexpired term of Mike Groene and was elected that November. Jacobson is the chief executive officer of Nebraskaland Bank and farms in the district. He chairs the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee and serves as vice chair of the Revenue Committee.
Shaylee Scranton, 27, is a rancher who returned to the family ranch after graduating from Doane University in 2020. She described herself to the newspaper as a political newcomer and said improving constituent engagement would be a priority if elected.
“My whole life, ‘politician’ has been synonymous with ‘crooked,’” Shaylee Scranton said in the article explaining what motivated her to run.
District and campaign focus
Legislative District 42 covers Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Thomas, Hooker counties and most of Perkins County in west-central Nebraska. In the interview published by the North Platte Bulletin, both candidates outlined experience and reasons for running.
- Jacobson highlighted his agricultural roots, degrees in agricultural economics and agricultural education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and his career in banking and lending as preparation for legislative service.
- Jacobson told the newspaper he values listening to constituents across District 42 and wants to continue representing their interests in Lincoln.
- Scranton said she plans to create a “Constituent Relationship Management” system to ensure wider constituent input and connection with the office.
Next steps
The race will be decided by voters on Nov. 3. The North Platte Bulletin published the candidate statements and background as part of its coverage of the contest.
The candidates’ filings and the Nov. 3 general election will determine whether Jacobson wins a second full term or Scranton succeeds in unseating the incumbent.
