Mandela Barnes Withdraws from Wisconsin Governor Democratic Primary

Mandela Barnes has decided to exit the Democratic primary race for Wisconsin governor. This development comes just days before the election scheduled for August 11, altering the contest landscape. Barnes, who previously served as the lieutenant governor, made this announcement through a video on Facebook.

His exit comes amid Francesca Hong gaining significant momentum within the party’s liberal faction. Recent polling by Marquette Law School indicated Hong leading Barnes and other contenders, although about one-third of voters remain undecided. Barnes acknowledged the clarity in the nomination process saying, ‘It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.’

Barnes is the third Democrat to withdraw from the race. Two weeks ago, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ceased her campaign after facing a finance-related controversy, while Missy Hughes ended her run back in June. Following Rodriguez’s withdrawal, David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, returned to the race backed by Governor Tony Evers.

David Crowley has openly reached out to Barnes’ supporters, encouraging them to rally with him. He conveyed via social media that ‘There’s a place for you in what we’re building.’ Evers also expressed support for Crowley, citing his effectiveness in negotiating improved funding for local communities, highlighting his preference for Crowley despite Barnes’ involvement.

Governor Evers expressed surprise at Barnes’ decision, commenting, ‘He needs to do what he needs to do.’ He also noted his confidence in Crowley as the superior candidate, suggesting this stance would hold true even had Barnes remained in the race.

Francesca Hong has not provided immediate feedback regarding Barnes’ withdrawal. Meanwhile, another candidate, Joel Brennan, remarked on the situation, sharing concerns about the primaries focusing on chaos rather than pivotal election issues.

This reshuffle occurs after 128,000 voters have already cast absentee ballots, with in-person early voting underway. Notably, a lawsuit to permit absentee voters to change their ballot choices was dismissed by a judge. The Democratic primary winner is expected to face Tom Tiffany, who has nominal opposition in the Republican side and endorsements from former President Trump.

Barnes’ move follows a pattern from his 2022 Senate campaign where he gained from other candidates’ withdrawals, culminating in a narrow defeat to Senate Republican Ron Johnson.