Wisconsin Democratic Candidates For Governor Call For Marijuana Legalization
- Leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Wisconsin, including Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, and David Crowley, publicly advocated for legalizing marijuana on 4/20, highlighting lost tax revenue and social justice benefits.
- Mandela Barnes emphasized that Wisconsin is losing millions in tax revenue to neighboring Illinois, which legalized marijuana and collected $36 million from Wisconsin residents in one year.
- Francesca Hong proposed a "Weed for Speed" policy to use marijuana tax revenue for rural broadband expansion and to address the legacy of criminalization, while David Crowley pledged to invest legalization revenue in schools, infrastructure, and small businesses.
- Republican response was mostly silent or opposed legalization, with some pushing back against pro-legalization statements, reflecting ongoing GOP resistance to full marijuana legalization in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is falling behind. Legalizing marijuana is about fairness, growth, and common sense.”
By Benjamin Yount, The Center Square
There was lots of pot talk on social media in Wisconsin on Monday.
A number of Democrats, including two of the leading candidates for governor, took to X to push for legal marijuana on 4/20.
“It’s about time Wisconsin legalizes marijuana. Illinois got $36 million dollars in tax revenue from Wisconsinites in one year – we are giving our neighbors millions every year by not legalizing,” former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said in a post. “Happy 4/20, please enjoy responsibly!”
It’s about time Wisconsin legalizes marijuana. Illinois got $36 million dollars in tax revenue from Wisconsinites in one year – we are giving our neighbors millions every year by not legalizing.
Happy 4/20, please enjoy responsibly!
— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) April 20, 2026
4/20, celebrated on April 20th, is the unofficial holiday for marijuana.
Barnes was not the only one who took to X to push for full legalization in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is one of the last states without a real cannabis program, and we’re handing our neighbors millions every year because of it,” Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, said in a post. “My Weed for Speed policy sets us up for smart legalization and puts the revenue into rural broadband. We’ll build it right and repair the damage from decades of criminalization.”
My Weed for Speed policy sets us up for smart legalization and puts the revenue into rural broadband. We'll build it right and repair the damage from decades of criminalization.
Send us $4.20 if you think this is a good idea 😎 https://t.co/1HJezADAkA
— Francesca Hong For Governor (@FrancescaHongWI) April 20, 2026
Hong and Barnes are the frontrunners in Wisconsin’s Democratic race for governor.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is also running for governor, also took to X to show his support for legal marijuana.
“Wisconsin is falling behind. Legalizing marijuana is about fairness, growth, and common sense. Outdated laws hurt communities and waste resources,” Crowley said. “As governor, I will legalize it and invest the revenue in schools, infrastructure, and small businesses.”
WI is falling behind. Legalizing marijuana is about fairness, growth, and common sense. Outdated laws hurt communities and waste resources.
As governor, I will legalize it and invest the revenue in schools, infrastructure, and small businesses.
— David Crowley (@DavidCCrowley) April 20, 2026
Almost every Republican in Wisconsin was silent about Monday’s push for legalized pot, but Republicans at the Capitol have fought full legalization for years.
The only Republican who spoke up on X on Monday was the head of the St. Croix Valley Young Republicans, who pushed back on the statement from Madison’s Democratic Socialist candidate for the Assembly who said Wisconsin needs to join most of its neighbors and legalize marijuana.
“”No, Wisconsinites shouldn’t have to drive to Illinois or Michigan to buy weed,” DSA candidate Juliana Bennet said on X.
“Actually, they should,” said Brady Penfield.
Actually they should.
— Brady Penfield🇻🇦 (@brady_penfield) April 20, 2026
This story was first published by The Center Square.
Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.