Republican Governor Candidate Andy Manske on marijuana reform

Wisconsin’s 2026 race for governor is already heating up, and one of the most surprising names on the Republican side is Andy Manske. At just 26 years old, Manske isn’t a career politician or a Madison insider. He’s a medical service technician by trade and a grassroots candidate who’s running on fresh ideas, including one that could shake up the entire Republican primary: responsible marijuana legalization.

Manske recognizes what many Wisconsinites already know — prohibition has failed. While surrounding states cash in on tax revenue and regulate the cannabis market, Wisconsin loses out on jobs, farm opportunities, and dollars that flow across state lines. Instead of doubling down on outdated policies, Manske has proposed a plan that blends the best of alcohol and tobacco laws to create a Wisconsin-style framework for legalization.

His proposal would make driving under the influence of cannabis carry the same penalties as drunk driving, ensuring public safety comes first. He also wants to designate marijuana consumption areas, similar to “cigarette zones” at public venues, while giving businesses and property owners the power to say yes or no. It’s a plan built on law and order, personal freedom, and local control — three pillars that have long been part of conservative values.

This stance sets him apart from the current GOP frontrunner, Congressman Tom Tiffany, who remains firmly opposed to any marijuana reform. Tiffany’s prohibitionist stance may resonate with some older voters, but it leaves Republicans vulnerable in a general election where a majority of Wisconsinites now support legalization. Manske is betting that being bold — and realistic — about cannabis is the smarter path forward.

Manske’s campaign may be small and young, but his platform signals a generational shift inside the Wisconsin GOP. By tying marijuana reform to public safety and economic opportunity, he’s speaking not only to young conservatives but also to independents and rural voters who want to see Wisconsin farmers benefit from a legal cannabis market.

In a Republican field where most candidates play it safe, Andy Manske is staking out new ground. Whether his campaign gains traction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he’s giving Wisconsin Republicans a chance to talk about marijuana reform in a way that’s responsible, conservative, and forward-looking.

Visit his campaign website for complete information on this candidate.