The 59th is a safely Republican district in the southeast corner of the state, although Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University, offers some ideological variety. Republican Paul Jacobs was appointed to the seat in June following the retirement of Dale Fowler.
Jacobs, a former state representative, faces Democrat Tamika Mueller, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, a real-estate agent and a member of the Jackson County Board.
Mueller emphasizes infrastructure improvements and workforce development in southern Illinois. She also calls for “balanced, bipartisan” budgets.
Unfortunately, Democrats in Springfield largely have shut Republicans out of the budget process, so as long as the Democrats enjoy supermajorities that’s likely to continue. Flipping this Republican blue only would exacerbate that unfortunate dynamic.
Jacobs is a traditional Republican, espousing spending restraint and lower taxes. Paul Jacobs is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].
More Top Picks Amendments Soils