AD 96: Oldenberg (R) vs Johnson
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 between two Democrats decided who will potentially get to de-thrown Republican Incumbent Loren Oldenberg.
The 96th Assembly district is located in western Wisconsin, the district comprises all of Vernon County and part of southwest La Crosse County. It includes part of the south side of the city of La Crosse and the cities of Hillsboro, Viroqua, and Westby, along with the villages of Chaseburg, Coon Valley, Genoa, La Farge, Ontario, Readstown, and Stoddard. It also contains Wildcat Mountain State Park and Viterbo University.
La Crosse County 2018 referendum results:
“Should the State of Wisconsin legalize the use of marijuana by adults 21 years or older, to be taxed and regulated in the same manner that alcohol is regulated in the State of Wisconsin, with proceeds from taxes used for education, healthcare, and infrastructure?”
- 63% YES
- 37% NO
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 ***
Getting things done for people has been the hallmark of Tara Johnson’s life as a La Crosse County Board Member for 20 years, Executive Director of the United Way of La Crosse, a former union member, mom, and proud Democrat. She spent more than 30 years of her professional life fighting for the people of Western Wisconsin and bringing people together to tackle some of her community’s most challenging and urgent issues.
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.
Sources: CNanalysis (Very Likely Dem +11) WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (56% Dem), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps, Ballotpedia
