Sturgeon Bay, WI — Jacob VandenPlas, a combat veteran, farmer, and former leader of a veteran’s nonprofit organization, today announced his candidacy for Wisconsin State Senate District 1 as a Republican.
After serving his country and continuing that service by supporting fellow veterans, VandenPlas says he is running to bring real-world leadership and accountability to Madison.
“I’ve spent my life serving others, first in uniform, then working with veterans, and now as a farmer,” said VandenPlas. “I’m running because the people of Northeast Wisconsin deserve a voice that understands hard work, sacrifice, and what it takes to keep our communities strong.”
VandenPlas pointed to rising costs, challenges facing family farms, Veterans Mental Health, and government overreach as key reasons for entering the race.
“Families are feeling squeezed, small businesses are struggling, veterans are taking their lives at a rate of 40-44 a day, and farmers are being left behind,” he said. “We need leadership that puts Wisconsin first, not bureaucracy and not politics as usual.”
His campaign will focus on:
- Lowering the cost of living for working families
- Supporting family farms and rural communities
- Standing up for veterans and ensuring they receive the care they’ve earned
- Protecting constitutional freedoms and public safety
A resident of Sturgeon Bay, VandenPlas brings firsthand experience from agriculture, nonprofit leadership, and military service. A background he says is missing in the state government.
“I’m not a career politician,” VandenPlas added. “I’m someone who has lived the challenges people here are facing, and I’m ready to fight for them.”
Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District encompasses Door County, portions of Brown County and Manitowoc County, as well as the entirety of Kewaunee County and Calumet County.
