Carbondale Reporter

Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) claimed victory at the polls this past June primary election and is uncontested in the upcoming November General Election that’ll likely continue his representation in Illinois’ 118th District.

“Thank you Southern Illinois,” Jacobs wrote on Facebook. “I look forward to continuing to serve you in Springfield as your conservative State Representative!”

Ballotpedia wrote that Jacobs defeated business owner Aaron Smith by 68.3% of the vote.

Leading up to the primary election, Jacobs had earned several endorsements, including that of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Carbondale).

“(Jacobs) is a conservative, there is no doubt, but yet he’s still able to get things done having to work with a Democrat-controlled majority in a very wise way,” Bost said in a video. “You’ll never see him vote for a tax increase, and he understands what it's like to sign both sides of the paycheck. That’s right: working business, growing business, putting people to work. He’s done it in many ways, and he’s done a great job for you in Springfield. That’s why he’s received my endorsement. He’s been a longtime friend. He’s a friend not only to me but a friend of all of southern Illinois and a friend to you.”

“I feel very good about that,” Jacobs said to WSLITV. “I’m just ready to get back up to the state House and try to get more things done. That’s what we have been doing for the last two years in office and I want to do another two years and we'll do some more from that.”

He had also been endorsed by Associated Builders and Contractors of Illinois, the Illinois Federation for Right to Life, Illinois Citizens for Life and Illinois Family Action.

Ballotpedia wrote Jacobs is a part of several standing committees, such as the  Health Care Availability & Accessibility Standing Committee.

In early June, Jacobs leaned on his pro-life beliefs and his status as an optometrist.

“I am a pro-life Republican and the only physician of any kind serving in the Illinois General Assembly,” Jacobs wrote on his website. “I value life and worked for 40 years to improve the quality of life for my patients, both young and old.”