Paul Jacobs announces bid for state representative

Dr. Paul Jacobs will again run for 115th District state representative.

Jacobs, an optometrist for nearly four decades and owner of Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass, announced Monday he would seek the seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Republican Terri Bryant. Bryant, elected in 2014, is stepping away to seek the State Senate seat being vacated by Paul Schimpf.

The state representative seat is a wide open race right now. Last week, Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens said he was considering his own run, but later said he would not seek it at this time.

Jacobs launched a primary challenge against Bryant last year, but ultimately fell short.

"I have been thinking about running again for quite some time, because it is imperative that we elect a true conservative who will fight for the meaningful reforms we need to turn this state around," Jacobs said in a statement. "We need leaders who will stand on principle. There is no way I would have voted to double the taxes on motor fuel or any of the other tax and fee hikes enacted into law this spring. My pledge to voters is to fight to reduce taxes and create an environment conducive to job growth and job creation."

Jacobs said he is pro-life and is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He also opposes sanctuary cities in Illinois.

After graduating high school at 17 years old, Jacobs served in the Navy from 1965 to 1971. For the last 39 years, he has practiced optometry in Carbondale.

He has degrees from Prince Georges College in Maryland and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn.

He and his wife have four grown children and nine grandchildren.