No Democrat, No Incumbent: An Independent Makes the Case for Cannabis Legalization in Senate District 1

Wisconsin Senate District 1 is another important race for cannabis reform advocates. There is no Democrat on the November ballot, no incumbent seeking reelection, and a choice between Republican Nic Cravillion and Independent Mark Becker. It seems like we have heard this tune before…. No Dem in Assembly Distirct 60, No Dem in Assembly District 36, no Dem in Senate District 9 either.

The district covers Door, Kewaunee and Calumet counties, along with portions of Brown, Outagamie and Manitowoc counties. It includes communities across Wisconsin’s northeastern shoreline and the Green Bay area, where agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and small businesses all contribute to the regional economy.

Cravillion is a new Republican candidate whose position on hemp and cannabis reform remains unclear from the public record we’ve reviewed. Becker, meanwhile, is an Independent and former Brown County Republican Party chair who has been vocal in supporting marijuana legalization.

When I asked Mark Becker (I) about cannabis reform, he told me “Legalize it. We can create an entire industry with the snap of a finger. We can help fund schools, fix roads, give broadband to rural communities by the tax dollars alone. Legalize it.”

Voters still deserve a choice on cannabis policy. Senate District 1 gives voters an opportunity to consider whether Wisconsin needs a new approach to legalization, hemp business protections and sensible cannabis regulation—or more silence from candidates on an issue affecting Wisconsin businesses and consumers.

Ask the candidates where they stand, share their answers, and help make hemp and cannabis reform part of the conversation in this open-seat race.

Follow the race: WCIC Senate District 1 Election Coverage and Candidate Discussion

If you live in the district, you might just want to send Mark Becker (I) and Nic Cravillion (R) a message on their campaign facebook accounts.

Where is Senate District 1?

The 1st Senate district of Wisconsin is one of 33 districts in the Wisconsin Senate. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises all of Door and Kewaunee counties, as well as nearly all of Calumet County, much of northern and western Manitowoc County and eastern and southern Brown County, along with parts of southwest Outagamie County. It includes the cities of Sturgeon Bay and Chilton and parts of the cities of Appleton, Menasha, and Green Bay.

Stay tuned and get active!

I will continue to provide you additional 2026 Wisconsin State Election coverage throughout the campaign season. This next election is extremely important for cannabis reform and I will continue to bring you information as more candidates make their political moves.

In the event that we end up with divided government in the 2027-28 legislation session, the official formation of The Wisconsin Cannabis Caucus would be a must first step towards reform. The official establishment of this Caucus will represent the growing, bipartisan support in Wisconsin.

Although session has ended for 2025-26 we still urge you to contact your elected officials, as they technically can continue to work, hold committee hearings and potentially vote on any issue that is deemed to be a great priority to Wisconsinites. The top action alerts are still functionable on The Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Action Network for you immediate use.

A huge thank you once again to all my Election Coverage Sponsors, please support them if you can. One easy way to find them all and where they are throughout our great state of Wisconsin is to use The Stoner’s Travel Guide to Wisconsin website map and tag system, here you go, check them all out: https://thestonerstravelguide.com/places/tags/2026-election-coverage-sponsor/