AD 73: Angela Stroud (D) vs Frank Kostka (R)
The 73rd Assembly district of Wisconsin is located in the northwest corner of Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of northern Douglas County, northern Bayfield County, and northern Ashland County. It includes the cities of Superior, Ashland, Bayfield, and Washburn, and the villages of Oliver and Poplar. The district also contains the Bad River and Red Cliff Indian reservations, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Big Bay State Park, Pattison State Park, Amnicon Falls State Park, and the University of Wisconsin–Superior campus.
The City of Superior further decriminalized marijuana possession back in 2018. Many municipalities have followed their lead in the years after this bold move way up north.
The 2022 Ashland referendum overwhelming supported legalization.
Republican Incumbent Angie Sapik had represented the district since 2023, but that is about to change. Sapik did not seek re-election under the new maps making the 73rd Assembly District a non competitive seat favoring the Democrats. Sapik was well liked by cannabis activists in her area and was labeled a 420 friendly Republican even before being elected.
Sapik made political headlines when she was elected to two county board seats early this spring (although she can only claim one). It will be interesting to see if Sapik pushes a Douglas County Decriminalization ordinance that is more in line with what county residents deserve.
It appears by my quick search that Douglas County has only adopted the state amount of $1000 plus court costs via ordinance back in 2008. Counties can reduce the penalty to $1 (one dollar) or make cannabis possession the lowest level enforcement priority.
All this leaves the seat wide open for the next Democrat and there was a primary battle for this seat. Angela Stroud easy won the primary with over 80% of the vote and all but secures the seat.
Angela Stroud (D-Ashland)
Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Justice at Northland College
There are 99 state Assembly seats and 16 state Senate seats on the ballot this November. The ACLU of Wisconsin sent a questionnaire to all candidates and published their answers on August 21st.
We are not surprised that she answered YES to the ACLU question: Do you support the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 and over in Wisconsin? and she added her emphasis on protecting medical patients and cannabis consumers the right to grow their own.
I appreciate how this questions is written, but I also would like to see an allowance for people to grow plants for personal use.
Local activists and supporters of reform are very excited to see her run for State Assembly.
Please follow her campaign on facebook page and visit her official website for more details on this candidate.
vs
Frank Kostka (R-Ashland)
Ashland Wisconsin native, Business owner for 30+ years, retired 20 years of service from the United States Air Force
Campaign Facebook contacted with no reply.
Stance on Cannabis Reform = Unknown
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: RPubs, CNanalysis (Very Likely Dem +21) WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (61% Dem), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps, Ballotpedia
