KEWAUNEE COUNTY – Jacob VandenPlas, a combat veteran, farmer and former leader of a veteran’s nonprofit organization, has 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.”