Carbondale Reporter

State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) has won the primary election for the 118th District. 

Jacobs was remapped by statehouse Democrats into the 118th District after having served the 115th District where he is currently state representative. 

“Thank you Southern Illinois! I look forward to continuing to serve you in Springfield as your conservative state representative!” Jacobs posted on Facebook.

He faced Aaron Smith of Marion, vice chairman of the John A. Logan College board and a partner in a commercial construction firm, in the race. He won the race handily with a 3-to-1 vote count advantage over his opponent, WSIU reported.

Jacobs opined on gun rights to KVFS before the election. 

"I don’t know if we will get the felons to go ahead and submit their checks morning and evening two or three times in a row, I doubt it very seriously. So we’re working to stifle the and punish the honest gun owners and that’s not the answer,” Jacobs told KFVS.

Jacobs was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune. 

“The Pomona Republican believes it’s high time that Springfield starts to exhibit some fiscal responsibility and implement across-the-board cuts in state government. He also says Democrats need to curb their pork-laden spending sprees — a problem that bloats the budget and translates into ever-rising taxes,” the Chicago Tribune editorial board said in its endorsement. 

In his campaign, Jacobs talked about his "proven track record standing up for taxpayers, parental rights and the rights of unborn children. I have also supported Illinois police officers in opposing efforts to defund the police and make our communities less safe. I will protect taxpayers of this state by advocating for tax relief and fiscally responsible budgets."

Jacobs served in the Navy from 1965 to 1971 and has practiced optometry in Carbondale for the last 39 years.