Republican Dale Fowler has represented this far southern district since 2017 but decided not to run for reelection. State Rep. Paul Jacobs, 77, hopes to move over to the Senate by winning the Republican primary over Stephen Vercellino, 71. As a member of Springfield’s minority party, Jacobs has long fought for fiscal responsibility and pushed back against tax hikes, two issues that need champions in the Statehouse. We’ve endorsed Jacobs before, and endorse him again.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois primary election here.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
