Jacobson appointed to Legislature

Mike Jacobson of North Platte will fill the legislative seat left vacant by the resignation of former Sen. Mike Groene. Jacobson will complete Groene’s term, which ends in January 2023.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the appointment at a press conference Feb. 23. Five people were interviewed for the position, he said, including the three announced candidates for the Legislative District 42 seat. Jacobson said he intends to run for a full term in the 2022 general election.

Ricketts said he chose Jacobson for his conservative values and as a representative of a “fantastic American success story.” Jacobson, founder and principal shareholder of NebraskaLand National Bank in North Platte, is a native Nebraskan who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“[He] is a conservative who will reflect the values of the people of District 42,” Ricketts said. “He’s going to be an advocate for efficient and effective government, family values and for making sure we’re creating opportunities for families here in the state of Nebraska.”

Jacobson and wife Julie have two children and have lived in North Platte for 27 years. He was sworn in by Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican after the announcement and his term began immediately.