Senate District 15: Mark Spreitzer Has a Proven Cannabis Reform Record

Wisconsin Senate District 15 is a different political landscape under Wisconsin’s new legislative maps. Incumbent Democrat Mark Spreitzer faces Republican Scott Fleming and Independent candidate Christopher Dean in the November 3, 2026 election. The district includes communities across Rock County and portions of Walworth and Jefferson counties, including Janesville, Beloit, Whitewater, Milton, Edgerton and Evansville.

For Wisconsin’s hemp and cannabis reform community, this race offers an opportunity to compare candidates on more than party labels.

Mark Spreitzer: A Proven Record of Reform

I have worked with Mark Spreitzer on cannabis reform, and his record is backed by legislation, votes and public commitments—not just campaign rhetoric.

Spreitzer co-sponsored SB 1045, comprehensive cannabis legalization legislation that included medical and adult use, protections for existing hemp businesses, and expungement provisions. He also co-sponsored SB 644, legislation addressing age limits, testing and labeling for intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products. He subsequently supported and voted for SB 682, the Testin-Kurtz hemp regulation bill, while advocating for less burdensome testing requirements for small-batch producers.

In his 2026 WiscoCan candidate questionnaire, Spreitzer reaffirmed his support for full cannabis legalization, protecting Wisconsin’s hemp industry, and creating a regulated market that leaves room for Wisconsin small businesses rather than allowing out-of-state monopolies to dominate.

That is a meaningful record of engagement with the issue. Read Spreitzer’s complete questionnaire answers.

Christopher Dean: Pro-Legalization, With Questions Remaining on Hemp Regulation

Independent Christopher Dean is also clearly supportive of cannabis legalization. In his WiscoCan questionnaire, Dean backed adult-use legalization, medical cannabis, decriminalization, expungement of nonviolent possession convictions and the Wisconsin Cannabis Caucus.

However, his answers on regulating hemp-derived cannabinoid products and the specific SB 682 legislation were less definitive. He indicated that he had questions about both. Voters who prioritize protecting existing hemp farmers and retailers should press him for more detail about how he would approach that part of the industry.

Read Christopher Dean’s complete questionnaire answers.

Scott Fleming: An Opening for a Regulation-Over-Prohibition Conversation?

I also spoke directly with Republican Scott Fleming. My impression was that he was not necessarily opposed to regulation. His main concern was a familiar one: if alcohol, nicotine and other age-restricted substances are already limited to adults, why do young people still manage to obtain them?

I shared information with Fleming about research showing declines in youth cannabis use in some jurisdictions following legalization. He seemed receptive to the argument that regulation, rather than prohibition, may offer a better approach to hemp and cannabis, potentially including a 21-and-over age restriction where appropriate.

That conversation is worth noting, but it is not the same as a formal endorsement of a specific reform bill. Fleming should be encouraged to clarify his position publicly. If he is serious about evidence-based regulation and protecting minors, there is room for a constructive discussion about how Wisconsin can regulate hemp products without destroying legitimate businesses.

The Electoral Question: Who Benefits From a Third Candidate?

Political observers and industry insiders I have spoken with do not view Dean as a serious threat to Spreitzer’s Democratic base. Their expectation is that Dean may instead draw more votes from Fleming and Republican-leaning voters who want an alternative to the major parties.

That is an electoral theory, not a guaranteed outcome. Independent candidates can attract voters from across the political spectrum, and the new district boundaries make it especially important to avoid assuming that past results tell the whole story.

For cannabis reform advocates, the practical takeaway is straightforward: Spreitzer has a documented legislative record to evaluate, Dean has made clear legalization commitments but has more to explain on hemp regulation, and Fleming has shown some openness in direct conversation that deserves further examination.

My work with Spreitzer has demonstrated that he is willing to do the legislative work needed to advance reform. The challenge now is making sure every candidate understands that Wisconsin needs a practical path forward for hemp farmers, small businesses, medical patients and responsible adult consumers.

Ask the candidates where they stand. Share their answers. And make cannabis and hemp policy part of the conversation in Senate District 15.

Candidate references — Wisconsin Senate District 15

Mark Spreitzer (Democrat, Incumbent)

• Website: Mark for Wisconsin
• Facebook: Mark for WI

Scott Fleming (Republican)

• Website: Scott Fleming for Wisconsin — candidate profile with campaign website information.
• Facebook: FlemingforWisconsin

Christopher Dean (Independent)

• Website: Christopher Dean for Wisconsin
• Facebook: Christopher Dean for State Senate

Related coverage

• JaySelthofner.com — Previous reporting on Mark Spreitzer
• WiscoCan — Mark Spreitzer’s 2026 questionnaire
• WiscoCan — Christopher Dean’s 2026 questionnaire

Stay tuned and get active!

I will continue to provide you additional 2026 Wisconsin State Election coverage throughout the campaign season. This next election is extremely important for cannabis 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 2027-28 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 has ended for 2025-26 we still urge you to contact your elected officials, as they technically can continue to work, hold committee hearings and potentially vote on any issue that is deemed to be a great priority to Wisconsinites. The top action alerts are still functionable on The Wisconsin Cannabis Activist Action Network for you immediate use.

A huge thank you once again to all my Election Coverage Sponsors, please support them if you can. One easy way to find them all and where they are throughout our great state of Wisconsin is to use The Stoner’s Travel Guide to Wisconsin website map and tag system, here you go, check them all out: https://thestonerstravelguide.com/places/tags/2026-election-coverage-sponsor/