AD 12: Russell Goodwin (D) vs Deanna Alexander (I)
The 12th Assembly district is located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within northwest Milwaukee County. It comprises much of the far north of the city of Milwaukee as well as part of northern Wauwatosa and western Brown Deer. The district also includes most of the former town of Granville, Dretzka Park, and Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport.
Democrat Incumbent LaKeshia Myers (Milwaukee) gave up the seat to run for Senate. No Republican dare even enter this race, but an Independent emerged and will challenge the Democrat in this very blue district.
UrbanMilwaukee reports: The last time Alexander and Goodwin Sr. faced off they were both write-in candidates running for District 18 on the Milwaukee County Board. In 2022, Goodwin was the incumbent in the district, but failed to gather enough nomination signatures to have his name on the ballot. This set off a mad dash for the seat with seven candidates — including Alexander and Goodwin — all running as write-in candidates.
Goodwin is running as a Democrat. Alexander, a conservative, is running as an independent.
Russell Goodwin (D-Milwaukee)
Goodwin takes a four way primary and wins by 176 votes.
Rev. Dr. Russell Antonio Goodwin, Sr. is a former Milwaukee County Supervisor and Chair of the Transportation, Public Works, and Transit Committee, known for his unwavering commitment to community service. From his early days in youth ministry to his impactful work combatting teen pregnancy and providing essential resources for schools, Russell has dedicated his life to uplifting others.
Currently, Russell is a Small Business Owner of Goodwin Enterprises, LLC. He also serves as a Volunteer Pastor, at The Movement Center Church, where he tirelessly works to feed the homeless and spread the message of hope through their Broadcast, ‘Get On the Move Today.’ A multifaceted individual, Russell is also a published author, actor, singer, and musician, using his talents to inspire positive change.
Rev. Dr. Goodwin had this to say about his stance on marijuana reform in Wisconsin:
I believe that Wisconsin should consider legalizing medical marijuana and further decriminalizing its use to a reasonable extent. This could help in reuniting individuals with their families and providing access to alternative forms of treatment for those in need. As a candidate, I am committed to exploring policies that prioritize public health and safety while also addressing the social and economic impacts of marijuana reform.
Please follow his campaign on facebook page and visit his official website for more details on this candidate.
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Deanna Alexander (Ind – Milwaukee)
Village Administrator and Treasurer, Town Clerk, Human Resources, and Office Manager, Accountant and Auditor, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors: 2012-2020, 2022-Present, Military Veteran – Wisconsin Army National Guard – 2002 – 2010. Served at the U.S. / Mexico international border aiding the United States Border Patrol in securing and protecting the country from unauthorized and undocumented entry, 2006. Board of Directors, Villa St. Francis, an Assisted Living and Retirement Community in Milwaukee, 2020 – 2023, Chair of the Emergency Medical Services Council for Milwaukee County, 2013 – 2020, Council Member to the Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership Council, 2013 – 2016.
It was reported in 2018 the Milwaukee County Board committee on Thursday recommended, 5-0, that a marijuana legalization referendum be held in November. The referendum question would ask, “Do you favor allowing adults 21 years of age and older to engage in the personal use of marijuana, while also regulating commercial marijuana-related activities, and imposing a tax on the sale of marijuana?”
The resolution calling for the referendum was sponsored by County Supervisor John Weishan. Members of the Judiciary, Safety and General Services Committee voting in favor of it were Supervisors Anthony Staskunas, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, Deanna Alexander, Patti Logsdon, and Steven Shea.
Alexander’s motion to make the referendum part of the Aug. 14 primary election failed on a 4-1 vote.
One of her current main campaign platform agendas, her campaign website states:
Cannabis Legalization – Legal for medical and recreation in all of our neighboring states, our current laws must be updated for fairness and practicality.
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 (Solid Dem +59) WisPolitics /2024 Assembly Races (79% Dem), Davesredistircing, PeoplesMaps, Ballotpedia