Jenna Jacobson

Jennifer Shannon "Jenna" Jacobson is an American financial advisor and Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 50th Assembly district. Born on February 4, 1982, in Brenham, Texas, Jacobson has a diverse background in finance and public service, which has shaped her political career and community involvement in Wisconsin.

Early life and career

Jenna Jacobson was born in Brenham, Texas, and spent her formative years in Polk County, Wisconsin. She graduated from Frederic High School in 2000, after which she pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. During her time at River Falls, she gained practical experience working as a teller at the WESTconsin Credit Union, which provided her with foundational knowledge in financial services.

Seeking to further her education, Jacobson transferred to Purdue University, where she completed her bachelor's degree in consumer financial planning. While at Purdue, she continued to build her professional experience by working as a financial advisor for the Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union. This role allowed her to develop expertise in financial planning and advisory services, skills that would later inform her public service and community involvement.

In 2013, Jacobson returned to Wisconsin with her family, settling in the village of Oregon, located in southern Dane County. She took on various roles in the financial sector, including several years as an analyst at the CUNA Mutual Group corporate headquarters. In addition to her professional work, Jacobson has been a long-time volunteer financial literacy coach, demonstrating her commitment to educating others about financial management. Currently, she identifies as a stay-at-home mom, balancing her family responsibilities with her public service.

Legislative service

Jenna Jacobson's political career began at the local level when she was elected to the Oregon village board in 2017. She was re-elected in 2019, demonstrating her ability to connect with constituents and address local issues. However, her term on the village board was interrupted when she ran unsuccessfully for village president in 2021. Despite this setback, she returned to the village board following the 2022 Spring election, reaffirming her commitment to local governance.

Jacobson's involvement in community issues extended to her participation in the Oregon Housing Coalition, an organization focused on promoting affordable housing in the area. In early 2022, she briefly worked for the Dane County government as a housing specialist, further deepening her understanding of housing challenges in the region. Additionally, she was appointed to the Governor's Council on Financial Literacy and Capability, reflecting her expertise in financial matters and her dedication to improving financial literacy in the community.

The 2022 redistricting process, conducted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, created an opportunity for Jacobson to enter state-level politics. With the incumbent representative of the 43rd Assembly district, Don Vruwink, being moved to a different district, a vacancy was created. Jacobson seized this opportunity to run for the Democratic nomination in the newly drawn 43rd district, which included areas of southeast Dane County and parts of north and central Rock County.

In the Democratic primary, Jacobson achieved a decisive victory over former Edgerton mayor Matt McIntyre. She then won the general election with a significant majority, taking office on January 3, 2023. Her tenure in the Assembly began during a period of political change and redistricting, which would later impact her representation.

Following the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, the court again addressed redistricting, resulting in the invalidation of the 2022 map. This led to the creation of a new map in early 2024, which significantly altered Jacobson's district. Her home in Oregon was moved from the 43rd Assembly district to the 50th Assembly district, with very few of her previous constituents remaining in her new district. The 50th district encompasses areas of southwest Dane County and all of neighboring Green County.

In the 2024 election, Jacobson successfully defeated Republican candidate Richard Johnson from Green County, securing her second term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Her continued service reflects her adaptability and commitment to her constituents amid changing political landscapes.

In July 2025, Jacobson announced her intention to run for the Wisconsin Senate in the upcoming 2026 election. She is seeking to represent the 17th Senate district, which is currently held by Republican Howard Marklein. The 17th Senate district covers the southwest corner of Wisconsin, from Crawford County to Green County, and is anticipated to be a competitive race in the 2026 election cycle.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her political career, Jenna Jacobson has focused on various issues that resonate with her constituents, particularly in the areas of housing and financial literacy. Her involvement with the Oregon Housing Coalition highlights her commitment to addressing the need for affordable housing in her community. Jacobson's experience as a financial advisor informs her approach to economic issues, as she advocates for policies that promote financial literacy and economic stability for families in her district.

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Jacobson represents the 50th Assembly district, which includes diverse communities in southwest Dane County and Green County. This district is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for its residents. Jacobson's legislative priorities are likely influenced by the needs of her constituents, as she seeks to address local concerns while also contributing to broader state-level discussions.

Jacobson's background in finance and her experience in local government provide her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities facing her district. Her work as a financial literacy coach and her previous roles in local governance position her to advocate effectively for policies that support economic growth and community development.

As she prepares for her potential Senate campaign, Jacobson's legislative record and community involvement will be critical in shaping her platform and engaging with voters. Her focus on affordable housing, financial literacy, and responsive governance reflects her commitment to serving her constituents and addressing the pressing issues facing Wisconsin residents.