Democrat David Crowley, a vocal supporter of legalizing recreational marijuana, has won Wisconsin’s gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany and creating a new opportunity for marijuana reform in a state that has resisted legalization for years.
Crowley, 40, currently serves as Milwaukee County executive and will succeed Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who decided not to seek a third term. His victory also makes him Wisconsin’s first Black governor.
Throughout his campaign, Crowley repeatedly called for full marijuana legalization, arguing that Wisconsin is losing substantial tax revenue to neighboring states where recreational marijuana sales are already legal.
During an October 21 gubernatorial debate, Crowley made his position clear, declaring, “We have to go towards full legalization.” He also emphasized the importance of establishing safeguards, including product labeling requirements and protections for children.
In an interview with Wisconsin Watch, Crowley said legalization could expand Wisconsin’s economy while generating revenue for public education, child care and public safety. He also highlighted marijuana’s potential as an alternative to prescription medications.
Crowley reiterated those priorities during an interview with the Milwaukee Courier, criticizing Wisconsin’s continued prohibition while recreational sales operate in neighboring Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.
“We’re the donut hole,” Crowley said, arguing that Wisconsin residents are spending money in surrounding states that could instead support local schools, health care and other public services.
His Republican opponent took a more limited approach. Tiffany expressed support for establishing a medical marijuana program but argued that Wisconsin should proceed cautiously before considering recreational legalization. During the October debate, he advocated beginning with medical access rather than immediately adopting broader legalization.
Wisconsin remains among the states without a comprehensive medical marijuana program or legal recreational sales. Previous legalization efforts have repeatedly stalled in the Republican-controlled Legislature, despite support from Governor Evers, who has included legalization proposals in state budgets.
Earlier this year, Democratic lawmakers introduced another proposal to legalize recreational marijuana, while Republican lawmakers pursued more restrictive medical marijuana legislation.
Crowley’s election means Wisconsin will have another governor who supports full legalization, but whether that translates into legislation will depend heavily on the makeup of the state Legislature. Democrats entered Tuesday’s election seeking control of both the Assembly and Senate, which Republicans previously controlled.
With recreational marijuana already legal in three neighboring states, Wisconsin’s continued prohibition has become an increasingly prominent economic and political issue. Crowley has made changing that policy a stated priority, placing legalization among the issues his administration could pursue when he takes office in January.
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