Paul Jacobs appointed to fill Southern Illinois Senate seat
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) — Republican County chairpersons have selected state Rep. Paul Jacobs to fill the Illinois Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dale Fowler.
Jacobs, a Republican from Pomona, has represented the 115th House District since 2021. He is a longtime Southern Illinois optometrist and U.S. Navy veteran.
The appointment comes after Fowler announced last month that he would step down following the 2026 legislative session. Fowler said he was honoring a pledge made when he was first elected to serve no more than 10 years in the Senate.
Under Illinois law, Republican leaders from counties within the district were responsible for choosing a replacement to serve the remainder of Fowler’s term.
Jacobs had already launched a campaign for the 59th Senate District seat before receiving the appointment.
Although he has been appointed to complete Fowler’s term, Jacobs must still win election in November to retain the seat. He is currently the Republican nominee for the 59th District Senate race.
The 59th Senate District includes all or portions of 14 Southern Illinois counties, including Williamson, Jackson, Franklin, Saline, Union, Johnson, Massac, Alexander and Pulaski counties.
