Paul Jacobson files as Republican for 5B special election

With DFLers Shelley Robinson and Carly Melin already in the race for the House District 5B Special Election, we now have a clearer picture who the primary winner will face in the general election. Republican Paul Jacobson filed today, resurrecting his unsuccessful campaign from last fall when he lost to former State. Rep. Tony Sertich, now the Iron Range Resources Commissioner. Jacobson’s statement:

Paul Jacobson of Hibbing announced Friday morning will run for the seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives vacated by Tony Sertich. Mr. Jacobson commented, “Mr. Sertich has represented the district for 10 years, and I look forward to being a new voice for the people of the Iron Range, and the values we hold dear.”

Paul has been raised on the Iron Range and holds a love for its people, community and way of life. He has vowed to fight for jobs in Northern Minnesota, bring about a balanced budget in St Paul, and use common sense to remove the obstacles for job growth and business expansion in Minnesota. According to Jacobson, “I am confident Representative Sertich will be an asset to the IRRB, and I look forward to working with him as we focus on improving our business environment and looking out for the range.

Mr. Jacobson graduated North Central Bible College in 1996 with a BS in Youth Ministry and Minister’s license. He also graduated the University of Phoenix in 2009, finishing a Masters in Business Administration. He now is working for KidsPeace Mesabi Academy as a counselor. He has been married to his wife Lisa for 15 years and they are raising 3 children, Solomon (10), Esther (8) and Ezekiel (6). Paul Jacobson is the “sensible choice for the common voice.”

Paul was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, moving to Albert Lea when entering kindergarten. His father Steve moved his family to Hibbing in 1981 when the company he worked for purchased a clothing store in downtown Hibbing and opened Leuthold Jacobson. Steve eventually purchased that business. Paul attended St. Leo’s Catholic grade school through sixth grade, along with his two sisters and one brother, and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1991.

Paul’s first job was for his father when he was 15 years old and he has worked ever since. He attended college and North Central Bible College (now North Central University) in Minneapolis, graduating in 1996 and earned a minister’s license that same year. Paul worked at North Central Bible College in the Security Department and became the Director of Security for a number of years.

Eventually, Paul and his wife moved back to Hibbing in October of 1999, started a new job at Mesabi Academy and began a family. Within two years, he became a supervisor at Mesabi Academy and continued in that position for over five years. Paul still works at KidsPeace Mesabi Academy as a counselor for the past three years.

Though other candidates could file Iron Range Republicans tend to unify before primaries. I would be surprised if anyone other than Jacobson files on that side of the ballot. Jacobson ran an enthusiastic campaign and Range GOPers are still euphoric over the stunning victory of Chip Cravaack over Jim Oberstar in the MN8 Congressional race. Thus, no DFLer should take Jacobson for granted in this turbulent special election field, even if 5B is solidly DFL.

Filing remains open until Tuesday at 5 p.m. The primary election will be Feb. 1 and the general election will be Feb. 15.