It would seem that things are heating up early in the Wisconsin State Senate District 17 Democratic Primary with four declared candidates. The primary election is scheduled for August 11, 2026, and the fall general election is set for November 3, 2026.
Both of those elections are over a year away, but the Independent-Scout has had contact with three of the four candidates in July–one in person and two by letter.
It started with an office visit from Jenna Jacobsen, who is serving her second term in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
After the new maps realigned the Senate and Assembly districts, Jacobsen wound up in a newly configured State Senate District 17 representing State Assembly District 50. She assumed office on January 6, 2025. She previously served in Wisconsin State Assembly District 43 prior to the new map adoption.
Well, on Wednesday, July 23, she was in Gays Mills, campaigning to become the new Wisconsin State Senate District 17 currently held by Republican Howard Marklein.
The 43-year-old Jenna Jacobsen lives in Oregon, Wisconsin with her husband Kyle and three children, ranging in age from 10 to 15. The family previously lived in rural Arena.
Jacobsen grew up in Frederic in Polk County, where her mother served as a Lutheran Pastor. After graduating from Frederic High School, she attended UW-River Falls. After getting married, she and her attended Purdue University, where she graduated form in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in financial planning. She went on to work for a credit union.
In the state representative’s political life, she focused on helping people by making progress on everyday issues like property taxes.
She understands that people are concentrating on saving for retirement, and maybe they're saving to be able to take a trip to the Dells.
“For me it’s about the kitchen table issues,” Jacobsen explained. “Things like the cost of groceries and availability of affordable daycare. I want to put the needs of workers and families first.
The candidate recalled that her family used food stamps because of the need of a single mother to feed two kids on a lower income.
Personally, Jenna likes the outdoors, and enjoys hunting, fishing and going on hikes in the state parks and natural areas.
Politically, Jacobsen is a strong supporter of the UW System for many reasons.
“UW is integral to all corners of the state, from supplying educated employees to using research to solve problems. She is critical of the closing of UW-Richland, and noted the school was in Marklein's district when it was closed. She is currently concerned about the future of UW-Platteville.
Jacobsen is committed to understanding the fabric of the communities in the district, and not just dropping in for a parade.
Because of redistricting, Crawford County has not been able to vote in a state senate lection since 2020. The candidate believes going forward the state needs to work toward a plan of non-partisan redistricting.
“That’s the next step,” Jacobsen said. “ How do we get permanent non-partisan redistricting.”
Another issue that affects the mother of three is the need to increase investment in the public schools. It was noted that the Legislature’s Joint Finance committee has not recommended adequate funding for the schools for the past 14 years.
“In this district, most of the schools are looking as passing referendums to keep their schools open. There are multiple elementary schools that might be closed because of a lack of funding.
Land conservation is another issue that must be addressed, according to Jacobsen. As a state representative she has championed a grazing initiative and actively supported the establishment and work of watershed councils around the state.
It should be noted that prior to her two terms serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Jacobsen served on the Oregon Village Board.
Crawford County residents will have the opportunity to learn more about Jacobsen’s candidacy, as well as the background and views of two of the other three declared candidates for Senate District 17 at a candidate forum in Gays Mills. That forum will take place on Thursday, August 7, from 4-6 p.m., at the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center.
Editors note
Crawford County was previously part of the 32nd Senate District, represented by State Senator Brad Pfaff. When new legislative district maps were approved by 2023 Wisconsin Act 94, Crawford County was moved into the 17th Senate District, currently represented by State Senator Howard Marklein.
The 17th Senate District includes Crawford, Grant, Green, Lafayette, and Iowa counties, as well as parts of southwest Dane County. It includes the cities of Boscobel, Brodhead, Cuba City, Darlington, Dodgeville, Lancaster, Mineral Point, Monroe, Oregon, Platteville, Prairie du Chien, and Shullsburg.
Jenna Jacobsen will face opposition from 3 other candidates - Corrine Hendrickson, Lisa White, and Sam Rikkers.
