Nebraska lawmaker announces skin cancer diagnosis, pledges to seek reelection in 2026
State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, chair of the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, presides over a legislative hearing. Feb. 11, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A Nebraska state senator announced this week that he has faced a serious form of skin cancer for the past two years but remains committed to finishing his term and seeking reelection in 2026.
State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte, in a Wednesday post, announced to supporters that he was diagnosed the first week of January 2023 with metastatic melanoma, which can spread to other parts of the body. Jacobson said the cancer has spread to his right lung, and he's continued a range of treatments over the past two years.
Jacobson said he's faced challenges, including swelling and weakness in his legs and muscles, leading to occasional falls. The most recent led to a brief hospitalization this week.
'Despite these setbacks, I want to assure you that I am firmly on the path to recovery,' Jacobson wrote. 'While my physical presence in the district may be limited at times during this healing process, please know that my commitment to serving our community remains unwavering.'
He continued: 'My resolve to fight for the people of our district has never been stronger.'
Former Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Jacobson to the Legislature in February 2022. Jacobson won a four-year term that November and can run for one more term under current limits.
Legislative District 42 consists of Lincoln, Hooker, Thomas, McPherson and part of Perkins Counties.
Jacobson is one of multiple senators who have faced public cancer diagnoses in recent years, including State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln and former State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska.
Jacobson announced his 2026 reelection campaign one week ago, when he pointed to his 2022 promise to put his district 'over politics' and to get results. He currently chairs the Legislature's Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee.
The senator said he has received 'excellent' care from North Platte's Great Plains Health and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He and his wife, Julie, thanked his care team.
Jacobson said he and his wife remain 'cautiously optimistic as we face this journey together.'
'The continued prayers, kind words and support from constituents and colleagues mean the world to us,' Jacobson wrote, 'and we are deeply grateful.'
No one else has announced intentions to seek Jacobson's seat in 2026. The top two vote-getters of the nonpartisan legislative primary in May 2026 would advance to the November 2026 general election.
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