Brent Jacobson

Brent Jacobson is a Republican politician and lawyer currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 87th Assembly district. Born on April 26, 1984, in Wausau, Wisconsin, Jacobson has a background in law and a history of public service, including a tenure as mayor of Mosinee and as a member of the Marathon County Board of Supervisors. His political career has been marked by various electoral challenges and a focus on local governance and state issues.

Early life and career

Brent Jacobson was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, and raised in the nearby city of Mosinee. He completed his secondary education at Mosinee High School, graduating in 2002. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Saint Cloud State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business management in 2006. Jacobson continued his academic journey by enrolling in law school at West Virginia University College of Law, from which he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2009.

After completing his education, Jacobson began his professional career as a commercial litigator in Pennsylvania. However, he returned to Wisconsin in 2011, where he joined the law firm Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes, & Golla, which is now known as Anderson O'Brien LLP. His legal background has provided him with a foundation in understanding complex legal and regulatory issues, which has influenced his approach to public service.

Legislative service

Brent Jacobson's political career began in earnest in 2015 when he ran for the office of mayor of Mosinee. He challenged the incumbent mayor, Alan Erickson, who had held the position for ten years. Jacobson's campaign was successful, as he won the election with a significant majority of the vote. Following his initial victory, he was re-elected without opposition in subsequent elections held in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

After securing his second term as mayor, Jacobson sought to expand his political influence by running for the Wisconsin State Assembly. He launched a primary challenge against the three-term incumbent John Spiros in the 86th Assembly district, which included much of central Marathon County. Jacobson's campaign focused on critiquing what he perceived as wasteful spending policies within his own party and expressing concerns about the state's Foxconn project. Despite his efforts, he lost the primary election to Spiros.

In 2019, following the resignation of U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, Jacobson considered running for the congressional seat but ultimately decided against it. Instead, he successfully ran for a position on the Marathon County Board of Supervisors, winning the seat without opposition in the spring 2020 election.

In 2022, Jacobson attempted to transition to the Wisconsin Senate by announcing his candidacy for the 29th Senate district after the incumbent senator, Jerry Petrowski, chose not to seek re-election. However, he faced competition from other Republican candidates and lost the primary to businessman Cory Tomczyk.

The political landscape changed in 2024 when the Wisconsin Legislature enacted a significant redistricting plan, following a ruling from the Wisconsin Supreme Court that invalidated a previous Republican gerrymander. This redistricting resulted in the creation of the new 87th Assembly district, which included Mosinee and parts of neighboring counties. The incumbent of the previous 85th district, Patrick Snyder, opted to relocate to maintain residency in his original district, leaving the 87th district seat open.

In February 2024, Jacobson announced his candidacy for the newly established 87th Assembly district. He faced a contested primary but successfully secured his position by winning against Wausau School Board member Cory Sillars. Jacobson then won the general election with a substantial majority of the vote, officially taking office in January 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Jacobson represents the 87th Assembly district, which encompasses Mosinee and portions of southeast Marathon County, along with areas in Shawano, Waupaca, and Portage counties. His political affiliation with the Republican Party aligns him with conservative values, and his legislative focus is expected to reflect the priorities of his constituents, which may include economic development, fiscal responsibility, and local governance.

Jacobson's experience as mayor and a county supervisor has likely informed his understanding of local issues and the needs of his district. His previous campaigns have emphasized concerns about government spending and accountability, suggesting that he may advocate for policies aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in state government.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Jacobson's legal background may provide him with insights into the complexities of state law and governance, potentially influencing his approach to policy-making and legislative initiatives. His ongoing commitment to public service and community engagement is expected to shape his contributions to the Wisconsin State Assembly as he represents the interests of his district.

Brent Jacobson's journey from local governance to state politics illustrates a trajectory marked by a commitment to public service and a focus on addressing the needs of his constituents in Wisconsin.