State Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) will not seek re-election

Republican State Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) announced this week that he will not seek reelection in 2026, opening up what is widely viewed as one of the most competitive State Senate races in Wisconsin this cycle. (49.7% DEM, 48.7% GOP and 1% OTHER)

Hutton represents Senate District 5, a suburban Milwaukee district that has shown increasing Democratic strength in recent elections. The district was carried by Democratic presidential and U.S. Senate candidates in 2024, putting the seat firmly on both parties’ radar heading into 2026.

The competitiveness of the district was flagged well in advance. In a detailed breakdown of the 2026 State Senate map, as a political analyst I identified Senate District 5 as one of the most vulnerable Republican-held seats, citing shifting voter trends and recent election results as clear warning signs. Hutton’s retirement now confirms that assessment and ensures the district will be a top-tier battleground.

Democrats have already begun lining up for the open seat, with State Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and community advocate Sarah Harrison registering to run. The State Senate Democratic Committee has endorsed Vining.

Vining (D)

Vining was elected in 2018, former pastor and as a first year assembly representative from Wauwatosa did not sponsor any legislation on marijuana reform in 2019-2020. In 2020-22 legislation session she stepped up the plate and co-sponsored recreational marijuana and had a repeat performance of her co-sponsorship in 2023-24 session.

Robin Vining campaign facebook page and campaign website are live.

Zimmerman (D) announces run for Vining Seat

Democrat Amy Zimmerman (Campaign Facebook / Campaign Website) has announced she will seek the Assembly District 13 (+14.6% Dem) seat being that Vining is leaving behind. I have contacted Zimmerman for her stance on cannabis reform. This heavily leaning Democrat Assembly district comprises parts of western Milwaukee County and eastern Waukesha County. It contains most of the city of Wauwatosa, along with the village of Elm Grove and much of northern Brookfield is likely to draw another Democrat into the race forcing a primary. Zimmerman supports legalization measures and handling like alcohol.

Hutton (R)

In his 2018 candidate interview Hutton said he is against recreational marijuana, he said marijuana is a gateway drug and is even hesitant on medical marijuana.

Hutton said in a statement that personal and professional considerations led to his decision and that he plans to remain active during his final months in office, focusing on affordability, public safety, and government efficiency.

With Hutton on his way out, advocates say now is the time to apply pressure for action on unresolved legislation — particularly Senate Bill 682, a measure affecting Wisconsin’s hemp and cannabis-derived products industry that remains stalled in the Legislature.

As a departing senator no longer facing voters, Hutton is in a position to support SB 682 without political consequence, and industry stakeholders are urging him to use his remaining time in office to help advance the bill before leaving the Capitol.

Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the State Senate, and Democrats would need to flip at least three seats to take control in 2026. With District 5 now officially open, Hutton’s decision significantly reshapes the political landscape — and intensifies pressure on lawmakers to act while the window remains open.

Dr. Mike Roberts (R)

Mike Roberts for Wisconsin State Senate is running as a Republican candidate for the State Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Hutton. He positions himself as a seventh-generation Wisconsinite, a healthcare professional, and a small business owner focused on practical, solutions-oriented leadership grounded in everyday experience.

His campaign message emphasizes that many families in Wisconsin feel unheard by government and are struggling with rising costs, housing, education, and healthcare challenges — problems he says are worsened by inefficient bureaucracy and decisions made for political bases rather than ordinary families.

He emphasizes listening first to constituents and bringing people together to solve problems, arguing that his background in healthcare and small business gives him firsthand insight into how policy affects real lives.

Mike Roberts for State Senate campaign website is already up, making me think it was hinted to more than me the Hutton might not seek re-election. Can activists and lobbyists count on a Hutton yes vote on Senate Bill 682 on his way out?

Where is the 5th Senate District

The 5th Senate district of Wisconsin is one of 33 districts in the Wisconsin Senate (Only half, the odd number districts are up for election in 2026). Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is composed of parts of western Milwaukee County, and eastern Waukesha County. It includes the cities of Brookfield and Pewaukee, and the villages of Elm Grove and Pewaukee, as well as most of the cities of Wauwatosa and West Allis, and parts of the cities of Milwaukee and Waukesha.

The Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Network plans to hold at least one event in this district during the 2026 election coverage. If interested in helping with the event, please do not hesitate to contact me or WiscoCan.org.

Sources: CNanalysis, WisPolitics/redistricting /2024 Senate Races, Davesredistricting, PeoplesMaps