About Danna

Danna Elling Schultz – Proud to be running for Mayor of Hastings, MN.

I was raised in a close-knit family with small town values in Norwood-Young America, MN. After my Dad died in 1963, my Mom had to get a job, learn to drive and raise three kids by herself. My Mom was my inspiration and the person I admire most in my life because she taught us to love our families, to work hard, respect others, give back to the community and to never, ever give up.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Journalism. I worked at weekly newspapers in southern Minnesota, which is where I met my husband. We came to Hastings after he was hired at the Hastings Star Gazette. We loved the community immediately and especially liked the small-town feel and the access to the natural environment, trails, parks and rivers.

I work full time for the Minnesota Senate, working with legislators on providing quality education policies for Minnesota’s public schools. Every day I work with people from many differing viewpoints and know how to be the bridge to compromise. I always have and will continue to bring my experience to City Hall and in my role as Mayor.

I’ve been married for 33 years to Doug Schultz. We have two daughters, Libby 27 and Abby, 23, both HHS graduates. I’ve lived in Hastings for 31 years – over half my life.

I’ve been an active community and church member for all 31 years I’ve lived in Hastings: I gave sixteen years of service on the Hastings City Council and am a member of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, currently co-chair of our church’s capital campaign; a member and board Secretary, Hastings Women’s Tennis League; board member, Hastings YMCA, board member, Black Dirt Theater; member, Hastings AAUW, Heart Restart; contributor: Hastings United Way and Hastings Family Service.

Leisure activities include walking our dog, Maggie, playing tennis, skiing, gardening, biking, camping, reading. hiking and biking.