Paul Jacobs is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 118th district. He assumed office on January 11, 2023. His current term ends on January 8, 2025.
Born in Pomona, Illinois, Jacobs served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971. After his military service, he became an optometrist for the Southern Illinois region, a career he pursued for over 41 years.
In addition to his optometry practice, Jacobs and his wife Rhoda built and owned the Von Jakob Winery in Alto Pass, Illinois in 1997. They would later retire from the winery at an unknown date.
Jacobs was elected to succeed then-state Representative Terri Bryant after she successfully ran for the Illinois Senate. He was elected as the 115th District State Representative in November 2020 and was sworn in on January 13, 2021.
As of July 3, 2022, Representative Jacobs is a member of the following Illinois House committees:
- Appropriations - Higher Education Committee (HAPI)
- Health Care Availability & Access Committee (HHCA)
- Health Care Licenses Committee (HHCL)
- Higher Education Committee (HHED)
- Tourism Committee (SHTO)
- Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVET)
Jacobs currently resides in Pomona, Illinois and is married to his wife Rhoda. They have four grown children and ten grandchildren. He is a lifelong Christian.
