South West Illinois News

Dr. Paul Jacobs won Illinois' 115th Congressional District Republican primary on Tuesday, beating four other candidates. 

Jacobs, an optometrist and consultant for Von Jakob Winery, received approximately 33 percent of the vote, with candidate John Howard receiving approximately 29 percent. Other candidates—Clifford Lindemann, Zachary Meyer, and Johnnie Smith—received approximately 16 percent, 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively. 

"I want to thank all of the people of the 115th," Jacobs wrote on a Facebook post on Wednesday. "I will be working hard to guarantee this conservative seat doesn’t go the way of the Democrat Socialist Party."

Despite his loss, Howard congratulated Jacob for his win. 

"The bottom line is he (Jacobs) got more votes. I congratulate and wish him well in November,” Howard recently told The Southern Illinoisian. “I still got cows, and they still want to be fed.”

Jacobs is currently unopposed in the general election as the Democratic primary was canceled. 

"We don’t have opposition for November yet but we must start now, as Republicans, to unite in November for a big win," Jacobs said on Facebook.

On his campaign website, Jacobs describes himself as "Pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-term limits, pro-Fair Map reform." He is also opposed to sanctuary cities and raising taxes, according to his website. 

"I will always oppose tax increases, including Pritzker's liberal gas tax," Jacobs said on Facebook. "I will always fight for the unborn and will be an independent voice in Springfield."

Jacobs concluded his Facebook post with a message emphasizing the importance of uniting across party lines during the COVID-19 crisis. 

"Remember to be respectful to all people shopping for the daily necessities each of us need during these unsettling times," Jacobs said. "All of us should also strive to follow the advice of our health experts, government officials and President."