AD 26:  Amy Binsfeld (R) vs Joe Sheehan (D)

New maps and new days coming to the Sheboygan area. There is no current incumbent in this district formerly represented by Republican Terry Katsma of Oostburg. Katsma and Oostburg are in the 27th district now, so we are not expecting him to run. UPDATE: on 4-26 Katsma did announce he is not seeking re-election.

What do the map experts and political pundits say about the new district lines for this Assembly District? Even though the other two assembly districts that comprise the Senate (25 and 27) might lean heavily Republican; Assembly District 26 seems to be a true toss up with a possible 1.5% lean to the Democrats.

The redrawn 26th Assembly District map now includes the entire city of Sheboygan, the Town of Wilson, and the Town of Sheboygan, reuniting city and town residents in one legislative district.

There is a Republican Incumbent pairing in the Assembly 25 District between Paul Tittl (R) and Amy Binsfield (R). The district is solid GOP land and Tittl did not face any challenger in the general election. Tittl told WisPolitics he is “absolutely” running for reelection. Binsfield indicated earlier this year she was looking at moving to run in another seat. According to the new maps for the 2024 election Binsfield lives just outside the 26th Assembly District and just might be the candidate of choice for the GOP at this point if she is willing to move into the district if elected and it seems she is.

Amy Binsfeld (R-Sheboygan)

The campaign of Amy Binsfeld was contacted regarding her stance on marijuana reform. She was first elected in 2022 and saw no primary challenger nor Democratic challenger in the general election. Chet Gerlach did run as an Independent in that election. With no real threat in that election our requests for her stance on cannabis reform were not returned. I can tell you she was not a co-sponsor of the latest Republican version of medical marijuana presented at the close of the 2024 legislative session.

Her campaign facebook page was contacted with no response again in 2024.

VS

Joe Sheehan (D – Sheboygan)

His campaign website states after 38 years in education and community involvement, Joe believes Democrats and Republicans must talk about Wisconsin’s issues. “How are you going to have compromise when you don’t know what others are thinking?” One of seven children, he quickly learned to work with others, a trait he carried into professional life with his core “We is the way to go, not us against them” philosophy. Joe holds a Ph.D. from Marquette in Educational Administration, a master’s in the same field from University of Houston, and two bachelor degrees from Michigan State.

There are 99 state Assembly seats and 16 state Senate seats on the ballot this November. The ACLU of Wisconsin sent a questionnaire to all candidates and published their answers on August 21st.

We are not surprised that he answered YES to the ACLU question: Do you support the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 and over in Wisconsin?

Please visit his campaign facebook page for more information on this candidate.

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 (Tilt Dem +4), WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (52% Dem), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps