AD 57 Primary: Petersen (R) vs Wilson (R), Caves (D) and Testin (I) on deck

Past district performance is over 68% Republican in Assembly District 57. There is a Democrat and Independent that will be on the final ballot in November. Incumbent Republican Kevin Peterson held off his GOP challenger in the primary battle, but now that guy is launching a write in campaign. It is hard to say what is actually going to happen when a local boy gets involved and Testin could just spoil it all.

In the primary, Wilson managed to get 36% of the vote and as a write in I just do not know much of a percentage he will take from Petersen, but it will be something. This was a heated primary, I mean heated. So let’s just say for argument sakes, Wilson gets 5% of the Republicans to write him in.

But Dylan Testin is a percentage nightmare to me because he is going to draw in some votes from both sides. Just voting against an Incumbent gets him something, I say 3%. Then he is home town hero and that will give him another 3%, if he wins his home city, look out. I say he draws in 7% of the Democrats votes, but manages to get 24% of the traditional Republican vote, which the primary vote indicated is very possible.

Democrat Ruth Caves probably would have peaked at 28% without the Independent in the race and will end up with 21%

Testin will end up with 7 + 24 + 3 + 3, with a total of 37%

Wild card Wilson gets 5% of the vote.

Petersen get 37%

This thing could come down to one vote! In theory. Actually this is all just pipe dreams and fuzzy math, but in a Solid Republican district, a boy can hope!

Located in central Wisconsin, the district 57 comprises nearly all of Waushara County and most of the southern half of Waupaca County, along with parts of western Winnebago County, southwest Outagamie County, southeast Portage County, and eastern Adams County. It includes the cities of Manawa, Wautoma, Waupaca, and Weyauwega, and the villages of Almond, Dale, Coloma, Fremont, Hancock, Lohrville, Ogdensburg, Plainfield, Redgranite, and Wild Rose.

Kevin Petersen (Republican Incumbent)

Incumbent and we won the primary against Wilson with 63% of the vote.

Kevin Petersen has been around since 2008 and I cannot remember him saying one friendly word about marijuana since he has been elected. As a candidate for office, he has not returned our requests for his stance on cannabis going back to 2020.

Peterson for the 57th Assembly Facebook Page

Duane Wilson (Republican Primary Challenger)

We contacted the campaign of Duane Wilson and his team told us that Duane has not made final decision on legalization yet.

Voters in the district that support reform of cannabis laws in Wisconsin are encouraged to contact the Wilson campaign via facebook or his contact page on the campaign website.

Democrat Ruth Caves

I have had the chance to work with Ruth Caves in the past and consider her an great supporter of reforming marijuana laws in Wisconsin. Visit and follow her facebook page and visit her website for more information on her campaign.

Dylan Testin (Independent)

His facebook page Testin for 57 has been contacted and his immediate reply was “I am an advocate for responsible legalization. I have a ton of ideas on how it could be done responsibly for the state to benefit.”

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: RPubs, CNanalysis (Solid Rep +34) WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (68% Rep), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps, Ballotpedia