AD 14: Tenorio (D) vs Engstrand (R) vs Shevey (I)

The legislative redistricting bill (new maps) created a vacancy in the 14th District when incumbent Rep. Vining was drawn into the 13th District. Coulthard is the first candidate to announce a bid for the seat.

Rep. Robyn Vining was drawn into the 13th District which is currently represented by Republican Rep. Tom Michalski.

District 14 after redistricting will include most of West Allis and parts of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa and is largely contained to the area around the Zoo Interchange and south. The previous district stretched north and south along Interstate 41, from the Town of Butler down to south of West Allis, and included most of Wauwatosa.

The new Assembly District 14 is expected to very likely advantage the Democrats even though the race will see an Independent Candidate.

The Candidates Stance on Cannabis

Angelito Tenorio (D – West Allis)

He served on the West Allis Common Council between 2020 and 2022; He served in the Army National Guard from 2015 to 2018.

I support the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 and over in Wisconsin. Legalization can serve public safety, as regulation ensures that marijuana is produced and sold under strict standards, reducing the risks associated with unregulated markets. It may also have economic benefits, as taxation can generate significant revenue for the state, which can be invested in public services. Legalization is also a positive step within criminal justice reform, as it can help address the racial disparities and over-policing associated with marijuana offenses, and avoid excessive incarceration for nonviolent offenses. Overall, I believe that a regulated and taxed marijuana market will benefit Wisconsin’s economy, public safety, and social justice, and allow adults to exercise their personal freedom.

Angelito Ternorio for Wisconsin State Assembly Facebook Page and Official Campaign Website.

Jim Engstrand (R-Milwaukee)

Engstrand did not respond to WUWM’s candidate questions. The information below is from his campaign Facebook page.

Engstrand has written that his priorities in the Assembly would be:

“1. NO Biological Boys in Girls Sports.
2. Education funding controlled by parents.
3. Low or No State Income Tax and return of all or at least most of the surplus.”

Campaign Facebook Page contacted 9/26 with no response.

Steve Shevey (I-Milwaukee)

2018 Ran for State Assembly under the Moderation Party and received 1.2% of the vote.

2020 Ran for State Assembly under the Republican Party and lost a three way primary with 11.3% of the vote.

Back in the 2018 election we first saw Shevey emerge as the Moderation Candidate. On September 18, 2018, Senior Producer Steve Walters interviewed Steve Shevy.

We do not know if he has changed his stance or moved his opinion further since 2018, but back then he said he supports medical marijuana and agrees with and shares that medical marijuana is a veterans issue and for that reason we should open to medical marijuana, but for recreational, although he is young, he sees the dangers of it, cites an increased black market in legalized states, laced products and that is where he thinks we should take a step back and say can our state handle legalized marijuana.

Campaign Website and Facebook Page contacted 9/26.

Wisconsin Assembly District 14 includes most of West Allis and parts of western Milwaukee and southwest Wauwatosa.

Stay tuned and get active!

I will provide you additional 2024 Wisconsin State Election coverage throughout the campaign season. This next election is extremely important for marijuana 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 2024-25 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 as ended we still urge you to contact your elected officials. The top four action alerts are still functionable on The Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Action Network for you immediate use.

Sources: CNanalysis (Very Likey Dem +16), WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (56% Dem), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps