Illinois State Senator, 59th Legislative District
What does this office do?
- Voting on how much you pay in state taxes
- Voting on how much money your local public schools get
- Voting on which roads and highways get built or repaired
Affects: AI Regulation, Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health,
Candidates:
Republican · Incumbent
Paul Jacobs has served in the Illinois Senate since June 2026, after more than five years in the Illinois House. A Navy veteran, longtime Southern Illinois optometrist, and former vineyard owner, he backs fiscal restraint and ethics reform.
Records: Women's Reproductive Rights 4 against, Government Efficiency 2 for, Gun Control 2 against,
Democratic
Tamiko T.C. Mueller serves on the Jackson County Board and is a U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel with more than 25 years of service. A real-estate broker and business owner, she founded a nonprofit supporting disabled homeless veterans and returning citizens.
Independent
William Lo is executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and a longtime restaurant manager who is general manager of New Kahala. He co-founded and leads Southern Illinois Collaborative Kitchen, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity.
Records: Social Programs and Welfare 1 for
Sources: elections.il.gov2 · ballotready.org