Jacob Borealis for Dakota County Commissioner · District 6 · Borealis for MN

About Jacob District 6

Jacob Borealis is running for Dakota County Commissioner in District 6 — a data leader, a Lakeville neighbor, and a candidate who believes county government should work for everyone.

Why I'm running

During the federal law enforcement surge in the metro, community members and rapid-responders were having their Constitutional rights violated. I started installing dashcams — a practical response to an immediate and serious need. Then I brought a verification protocol policy to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners to build something more systemic into how the county responded.

They declined.

"I can understand disagreement. But I cannot tolerate inaction. When you see someone in trouble — you help them, no matter who they are."

That moment answered a question I'd been circling around. The values I hold — fairness, community, opportunity — aren't abstract. They require action. I'm running because Dakota County deserves commissioners who act, especially when it's hard.

Professional background

I've spent my career helping organizations make better decisions with data. I've led data teams at companies across many industries — from brick-and-mortar retail and marketing to healthcare and professional services — ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 100 enterprises.

The industries change. The fundamental challenge doesn't: how do you take the information you have and use it to make decisions that actually serve people? That question is just as relevant in a county commissioner's office as it is in a boardroom. Dakota County manages a multi-hundred-million-dollar budget, delivers services to hundreds of thousands of residents, and makes decisions that shape lives every day. I'll bring the same rigor and accountability I've applied throughout my career.

Rooted in this community

I grew up in Duluth — northern Minnesota is in my bones. My family had a cabin just a little further north, where I learned to water-ski and wakeboard on those cold, clear lakes. Today, I take my own family out on Lake Marion in that same little red boat.

I moved to Dakota County at the start of the pandemic, settling here from Golden Valley and making this place my home. I'm married with two children who will be starting elementary school this fall. We share our house with three rescue animals — a doberman-border collie mix, a miniature pinscher-chihuahua mix, and a grey tabby cat.

This is my community. These are my neighbors. That's not a talking point — it's why this race matters to me.

What I believe

Fairness
People should receive what they need, based on their situation — not a one-size-fits-all response that leaves the most vulnerable behind.
Community
We are bound to each other. When one of us struggles, all of us are diminished. County services exist to hold that bond together.
Opportunity
Dakota County should be a place where every resident — regardless of zip code or circumstance — can build a good life.

At a glance

Dakota County resident since 2020; previously Golden Valley; grew up in Duluth

Married with two children entering elementary school this fall

Career in data and analytics across startups and Fortune 100 companies

Three rescue animals; playing in Lake Marion with the family