Jacob VandenPlas
Farmer; truck driver
Republican
Sturgeon Bay
Elected Experience
None
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
I’m running for Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District because I believe public service is about putting people before politics. As a combat veteran, Wisconsin National Guard member, farmer, and small business owner, I’ve spent my life serving others and solving real problems. My experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of challenges facing veterans, families, farmers, and small communities across northeastern Wisconsin. I’m committed to bringing accountability, practical leadership, and common sense solutions to Madison. I believe government should work for the people, not special interests. If elected, I’ll fight to protect our values, strengthen our communities, and ensure voices of local residents are heard. I’m asking for your vote because I’m ready to serve Wisconsin with the same dedication and commitment guiding my life and career.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
The top issue in the 1st Senate District is strengthening our local economy and ensuring families, farmers, and small businesses can succeed. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and increasing burdens on agriculture are making it harder for people to get ahead. I will focus on policies that promote economic growth, support family farms, reduce unnecessary regulations, and expand workforce development opportunities. We need to create an environment where businesses can grow, young people can build careers here at home, and communities can thrive. As a veteran, farmer, and nonprofit leader, I will bring practical, results-driven leadership to Madison and work to ensure state government serves the people of northeastern Wisconsin — not special interests.to your constituents.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
Simple. Listen to our constituents.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
Wisconsin's Iron Brigade was one of the most famous fighting units of the Civil War. Made up largely of Wisconsin soldiers, the Iron Brigade earned a reputation for toughness and suffered some of the highest casualty rates of any Union brigade. Wisconsin's Iron Brigade was so fierce during the Civil War that Confederate soldiers called them "those damned Black Hats" — and history still remembers them as one of the Union Army's most elite fighting forces.