AD 96 Primary: Johnson (D) vs Campbell (D)
The new district boundaries of Assembly District 96 technically make it a competitive district, but it will likely be a Democrat district in the end. A primary battle will decide who will get to de-thrown Republican Incumbent Loren Oldenberg.
The 96th AD includes all of Vernon County and part of southwest La Crosse County.
Readstown, WI · Stoddard, WI · La Crosse, WI · Genoa, WI · Ontario, WI · Viroqua, WI · Westby, WI · La Farge, WI · Chaseburg, WI · Coon Valley, WI
Loren Oldenberg (R)
Elected in 2018, the Republican assembly representative and dairy farmer from Viroqua has not co-sponsored any legislation on marijuana reform presented by the GOP. In 2018 he said “At this time I cannot get my support behind it,” Oldenburg stated about the drug. He recognized the belief that it may bring in more revenue for the state, but noted, “I think it would also bring in more criminals and criminal activities.”
In July Oldenberg did an interview and said “Republicans are close on medical marijuana” and then goes on to provide misinformation about the rescheduling process and he is still hesitant because it is federally illegal and the banks cannot accept marijuana money. He says he is going to only listen to the judges, district attorneys and police on the issue.
Oldenberg does add he would have voted yes and supported the controversial GOP version of medical cannabis presented in 2024.
The interview is recorded, but not transcribed, but the marijuana part starts about 16 minutes in and probably worth the listen if your are directly living in the district. Even the start of the segment the interviewer is from MN and Oldenberg seems to be cocky enough to say he knows about MN law…
Campaign Website and Campaign Facebook Page
Tara Johnson (D)
** Primary Winner is Johnson with 74% of the vote ***
La Crosse County Board for 20 years and former executive director of United Way of La Crosse.
Supports full legalization of marijuana.
Campaign Website; Campaign Facebook Page
Steve Campbell (D)
Campbell owns an assisted living business and variety store in downtown Viroqua.
Supports full legalization of marijuana.
Campaign Website; Campaign Facebook Page
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.
