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RANDOLPH — Randolph will have a contested race for mayor this fall.
Former Randolph City Administrator Ben Benton has filed to challenge incumbent Mayor Dwayne Schutt in the 2026 General Election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Non-incumbents had until 5 p.m. Monday, March 2, to file for placement on this year’s ballot.
Benton served as Randolph’s city administrator for four years before resigning in February 2024 to accept a position as director of the Nebraska Small Business Development Center.
He said he is seeking the mayor’s office to continue serving the community he and his family now call home.
“I am proud to announce my candidacy for mayor of Randolph — the community my family has called home for the past six years and where we are grateful to raise our children,” Benton said in a press release. “Like many of you, we chose Randolph for its people, its strong school and the values that make this such a special place to live. A strong school deserves a strong city. My goal is simple: protect what makes Randolph special while positioning us for the opportunities ahead.”
During his time at City Hall, Benton also served as city clerk, floodplain administrator, zoning administrator and RCGC treasurer. He said those roles provided firsthand experience with city budgets, compliance, zoning matters, infrastructure planning and daily municipal operations.
“I didn’t just observe how local government works; I was directly involved in making it work,” he said.
Benton credited city staff, elected officials and volunteers for helping move key projects forward during his tenure.
A major accomplishment, he said, was advancing the long-term effort to remove Randolph from the floodplain designation.
“I am especially proud of the floodplain project that is moving our community out of the floodplain,” Benton said. “It protects property, supports responsible growth and prepares Randolph for the future. Just as important, it shows what we can all accomplish when we work together, trust people to do their jobs and keep residents informed every step of the way.”
If elected, Benton said accessibility and communication would be priorities.
“As mayor, I will be accessible, listen to residents, support our city staff and actively pursue grants and outside funding so we can continue improving infrastructure and services in a fiscally responsible way,” he said. “In a town our size, leadership is not about politics — it is personal. It’s about neighbors working together to keep our community strong. Decisions made at City Hall show up quickly in people’s daily lives.”
The mayor’s race is not the only contest shaping up in Randolph.
Four candidates have filed for two open seats on the Randolph City Council. Incumbents Daniel Korth and Aaron Nielsen are seeking re-election. They will be challenged by Alicia VanDeWalle and Janelle Biernbaum.
Another former Randolph city administrator is also seeking public office. Randolph native Sheila Korth-Focken has filed as a Republican candidate for governor and will face Gov. Jim Pillen in the May 12 primary election.
