Paul Jacobs - Illinois State Representative

Paul Jacobs is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 118th District. He is a Southern Illinois optometrist with over 40 years of professional practice in the field. Dr. Jacobs is from Pomona, Illinois, and is married to his wife Rhoda. He has four grown children and ten grandchildren.

Before his career in public service, Dr. Jacobs served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971. He is also known as the previous owner of Von Jakob Winery in Alto Pass, Jackson County, which he and his wife operated for 27 years.

Education and Professional Background

Dr. Jacobs holds the professional credential of optometrist and has maintained an active optometry practice throughout Southern Illinois for approximately 43 years, serving multiple communities in the region.

Political Experience

Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House in November 2020, initially representing the 115th District, and was sworn in on January 13, 2021. Following redistricting, he now represents the 118th District, which encompasses all of Alexander, Pulaski, and Union Counties, as well as portions of Jackson and Williamson Counties.

During his tenure in the House, Representative Jacobs has served on several committees, including House Higher Education Appropriations, Health Care Availability and Access, Health Care Licenses, Higher Education, Tourism, and Veterans' Affairs. He is described as a lifelong Christian conservative focused on bringing fiscal responsibility and ethical reform to state government.