She had previously served as a member of the Niue Assembly (national Parliament)[1] and a minister in Toke Talagi's government.

[9] Vivian thanked her for competing against him: In February 2008, Jacobsen stated that landowners had been bullied into authorising the building of a hotel and golf course on their land, a project supported by the government and funded by Chinese investors.

Vivian rejected Jacobsen's criticism, and argued in return that candidates were chosen within the villages, in traditional ways.

[16][17] She served in that capacity until early 2017, then stood in the Niuean general election in May, announcing her intention to lead the government as Prime Minister.

[20] Jacobsen was re-elected at the 2020 election, and once again stood unsuccessfully for Premier, being defeated by 13 votes to 7 by Dalton Tagelagi.