AD 90: Amaad Rivera Wagner (D) vs Jessica Henderson (R)
The Assembly District 90 is a Democrat stronghold of sorts and after the redistricting process the new maps for this district heavily favor the Democrat. I am not sure why some articles indicate this as a race to watch and possible even competitive. I will be watching to see who the new Democrat will be. The current Assembly Representative Kristina Shelton (D) announced she will not see re-election in 2024. This leaves the seat open for the taking and you never know what sort of Republican will emerge in this area of the state to run for this seat. Many Republican candidates from this area of the state had previously supported legalization.
Assembly District 90 is basically the City of Green Bay. In May of 2022, the Green Bay Common Council voted unanimously to lower the penalty for possession of marijuana. The council approved an ordinance that reduces the citation for possession of 28 grams or less down to $0, excluding $61 in court costs. The same change applies to the citation for consumption of marijuana so long as it’s in a private space.
Shelton was not only a lead sponsor of adult use cannabis legislation, but she showed up to fight against Republican bills that attempted to increase the penalties for the use of butane in manufacturing of cannabis products and/or increase the penalties for possession of products made with butane.
I just finished speaking on the Assembly floor about AB 440, which would increase penalties for the manufacturing of resin from marijuana plants using butane extraction.
— Rep. Kristina Shelton (@RepKristina) January 20, 2022
There are so many issues with this bill…. 🧵
Rep. Shelton was on of the very few elected officials that openly admitted using, or at least purchasing the product while a sitting Assembly Representative. She was consistently in the news supporting reform. The next assembly rep better be just as good as she was on the issue of cannabis reform.
Stopped by the Munising Cannabis Co while visiting for the weekend! Got an impromptu tour of the space, grabbed incredible merch and yes, purchased some product 🤩
— Rep. Kristina Shelton (@RepKristina) August 6, 2023
Here’s the deal folks… the most dangerous thing about cannabis is that it’s illegal in Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/vXBbl9UM57
Who is next?
Civic Media (former Mayor Jim Schmitt) interviewed both candidates and the show aired on September 15th. I was unable to embed the broadcast, but you can listen to it for yourself if you want to hear candidates in their words.
Amaad Rivera Wagner (D – Green Bay)
Amaad Rivera Wagner for Assembly was contacted on May 24th for his stance on cannabis reform. Amaad currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich. Amaad Rivera had this to say about cannabis reform “I am for legalization both medical and recreational. I do think there should be regulation on edibles given their potency. I also think we should ensure those communities harmed by the “war on drugs”, should be allowed to benefit from its legalization.“
Please visit his website and facebook page for more information on this candidate.
vs
Jennifer Henderson (R – Green Bay)
During the interview mentioned above at the 31:30 mark candidate Henderson stated that although it may get her in trouble with her fellow Republicans, but she would legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. Listen here.
Please visit her website and 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 (Very Likey Dem +16), WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (56% Dem), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps
