IL State Representative (118th) Paul Jacobs
Paul Jacobs: "I am running for State Senate to continue to serve the people of Southern Illinois. I have never wavered in standing up for the right to life, for veterans, law enforcement and responsible governance."
Jacobs is well known from his optometry practice and successful winery, Von Jakob, in Alto Pass. He served in the Navy from 1965 to 1971. Jacobs says he is a lifelong conservative working to bring fiscal responsibility and ethical reform to Springfield. He was elected to the 115th District State Representative seat in November 2020 and was sworn-in on January 13, 2021. Jacobs now represents the 118th district since 2023 after re-districting.
Jacobs voting history includes:
- against pay raises for legislators
- opposed legislation to force homeschool registration
- 100% pro-life voting record
- voted against unbalanced Illinois budget
- sponsored a measure to address doctor and nurse shortages in Illinois by streamlining the licensure process
- sponsored a bill to end sanctuary state status in IL
- did vote to approve HB 3751 which allows certain non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the U.S., including DACA, to be hired as police officers
The 59th District Senate seat will be vacated by Senator Dale Fowler who has served ten years and declined to run again.
Two term Franklin County Treasurer Steve Vercellino
Two-term Franklin County Treasurer Steve Vercellino is the other Republican candidate in the State Senate (59th) primary race. Vercellino says he is a conservative Republican with proven results. "As Franklin County Treasurer, he has delivered real accountability for taxpayers and strengthened local communities. Now Steve is running for State Senate to bring a fresh perspective, the energy to get things done, and the focus to plant the seeds for lasting growth---lowering costs like high energy bills and strengthening Southern Illinois, starting now."
