Sen. Jane Raybould not seeking reelection to Nebraska Legislature

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska State Sen. Jane Raybould on Thursday said she would not seek reelection in 2026.

After a 16-year stint in politics, Raybould posted on Facebook, expressing her desire to step into her dream job: “Being the best grandma ever.”

In a message to her friends, constituents and the people of Nebraska, Raybould said it has been an honor to serve her community and state.

“I wanted to tell you how much I have treasured your support over the 16 years I have served my community and state. I am honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me to serve you in the elected positions of Lancaster County Commissioner, Lincoln City Council and currently as a state senator,” she said.

Raybould also recounted on of her most rewarding moments as chair of the Lincoln City Council.

“This was especially true as Chair of the Lincoln City Council during the COVID pandemic,” she said. “It was a distinct honor to work with the courageous Director of the Lancaster County Health Department, Pat Lopez, and Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird during the most challenging times. We worked together to keep our community safe, and we did.”

Raybould was elected as a state senator for District 28 in 2022, focusing on affordable housing and red flag gun laws.

In her last year in the legislature, Raybould said she will focus on “creating policies that help all Nebraska families and businesses thrive in the state that she loves.”