"We all want a Nebraska where hardworking people can afford to support themselves and their families. As a small business owner, attorney, nonprofit leader, and community volunteer, I have worked tirelessly to develop main streets, revitalize public spaces, and bring economic investments to southeast Nebraska. I’m not a career politician. I’m running to continue getting things done for our state in the Legislature. " - Shay Smith

Help Shay as she campaigns across the district. Your support means yard signs, mail, and direct voter contact for the campaign!
Shay Smith is a mom and business owner who lives in Crete with her husband, Michael, where they raised their three children. Raised in Paxton, Nebraska, Shay attended Doane University and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She received her law degree from UNL in 1994, then returned to Crete and built a successful general practice law firm with her business partner, Bradley Kalkwarf. As an attorney, Shay has helped southeast Nebraska residents for more than 30 years, representing clients in court in civil and criminal cases, assisting small businesses and family farms, and helping our neighbors plan for life’s bumpy roads.

Nebraskans are paying too much in property taxes, pricing families and seniors out of their homes. Our tax system needs to support our farms and small businesses which are the backbone of our state. As an attorney, Shay helps businesses and residents file returns and navigate the tax system so she understands the real world impact of tax policies. Shay will use her experience to explore every option to reduce property taxes and deliver solutions for Nebraskans.

Our Constitutional Rights are what make our country strong. Shay has taught Constitution Law to attorneys, judges and law enforcement officers and she will always work to guarantee freedom from government overreach. She will stand up for you and protect your rights and interests in the Legislature just like she has been in area courts for over 30 years.

Rural Nebraskans should be able to live in the communities they grew up in for years to come. The rising costs of everyday goods, childcare, and housing are out of control. Shay understands how to build economic opportunity and cut costs, already bringing millions of dollars into southeast Nebraska to rebuild infrastructure, create jobs and strengthen our economy.

Shay knows that local, affordable medical care is vital to maintaining healthy families. She believes that hardworking Nebraskans should be able to afford the healthcare and lifesaving prescription drugs they need. She will work to incentivize bringing more care providers, doctors, mental health practitioners and nurses to rural Nebraska, increasing access to rural hospitals and clinics, and cutting healthcare costs.

Schools are the lifeblood of rural communities. As your senator, Shay will ensure that we invest in an education that prepares our students for workforce success in a competitive job market. Shay will listen to educators and parents to prioritize a high-quality education that serves every child.

It’s exactly that. Shay’s priority for rural Nebraska is keeping land ownership right here at home. Shay has experience transferring family farms, so she knows that our children should be able to afford the land that has been in the family for generations. She’s ready to fight for our farmers and listen to their biggest challenges in the state legislature.