Senate 18: Alfheim (D) Carman (D) Phillips (R) Yang (R)
Even though the maps changed and redistricting happened, the “political experts” crunching the voting data from the past have labeled the 8th, 14th, 18th, 30th and 32nd Senate Districts as ‘competitive’ in the overall Senate races in 2024. Only half of the 33 Senators are up for election in 2024, so we are stuck with many of them. That is important to remember because the comment “just vote them out” comes up in discussions again and again. As we have learned, it just is not that easy.
In this article we will examine the new Senate District 18 which is highly expected to go to the Democrats with a 55.5% district performance predicted. This new Senate seat runs from Oshkosh to Appleton along Lake Winnebago and creates a top pickup opportunity for Democrats.
Kristin Alfheim (D-Appleton)
Kristin Alfheim will support legalization efforts in Wisconsin and has worked in the past to get the 2022 City of Appleton marijuana referendum on the ballot. She also ran for Senate in 2022 and we very much enjoyed our conversations on how Wisconsin can move forward on the issue of cannabis reform. She is a true cannabis reformer and will be a value added voice to the cause in Madison.
Alfheim for Wisconsin Campaign Facebook Page.
Joseph Carman (D-Appleton) is 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire student and Appleton native dropped out of the race on May 22nd and endorses Alfheim for the seat. “I decided to drop out of the race because I think Kristin Alfheim is in the best position to win the district,” Carman told The Post-Crescent. “I fully endorse her as the Democratic nominee.” On the issue of cannabis reform, Carman did state ” I am on the side of personal freedom, so I would vote for any legislation that legalizes marijuana.“
The Potential Republicans
Anthony Phillips (R-Appleton)
The Dr. Anthony Phillips for the 18th State Senate District Campaign Facebook Page was easy to find and when I reached out to this candidate about his stance on marijuana reform he simply replied “I agree with medical marijuana use“.
Phillips won the primary knocking Yang out of the race. Phillips will face Alfheim in November.
Blong Yang (R-Appleton)
Blong Yang for Senate Campaign Facebook Page is where I asked this candidate about his stance on marijuana reform. His initial answer was “Some rough sketches in place but nothing with pen yet till after the primary.” After a bit more dialog with this candidate, his additional comment of “I simply believe there are urgent issues that are more pressing for the sake of our country. So have I thought about this issue? Yes. Have I made an inform decision on it? No. I can see pros and cons. I’m open to a conversation. This isn’t an issue I’m hanging my hat on to differentiate myself from others one way or the other. I’m open to hearing you out…let me have it.” So I did and suggest you do also. If this candidate collects enough signatures to get on the ballot, he has an event planned for June 6th and that Urban Market in Neenah.
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.
