Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes Drops Out of Governor Primary
On Thursday, July 30, 2026, former Wisconsin lieutenant governor J. Mandela Barnes quietly exited the race for the Democratic nomination for governor. In a concise video posted to his Facebook page, Barnes told viewers, “It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.” The decision arrived just weeks before the August 11 primary and follows a recent Marquette Law School poll that placed Francesca Hong, a Democratic‑socialist, in a commanding lead. Barnes had long been touted as a rising star within Wisconsin politics.
The poll, released the day before Barnes’ withdrawal, showed Hong in a commanding lead, with about a third of primary voters still undecided. The results underscored Hong’s growing traction among the party’s liberal base, while Barnes’ support appeared to be fading in a crowded field. Analysts noted that the timing—just after a surge of negative headlines—may have amplified doubts about Barnes’ viability.
Barnes’ exit came as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel asked him about allegations forwarded to the Wisconsin Democratic Party and local officials. Anonymous letters in 2024 and again in 2025 claimed Barnes had used his office to pursue sexual encounters with young adult women. A law firm hired by the party in 2025 reviewed the claims and found no actionable evidence, citing their anonymous and unspecific nature. Despite the lack of proof, the accusations eroded confidence among voters and party leaders.
In response, Barnes’ campaign issued a statement denying any misconduct. The announcement followed the earlier withdrawals of Missy Hughes in June and Sara Rodriguez, who abandoned her run amid a campaign‑finance scandal two weeks earlier. After Rodriguez’s exit, David Crowley re‑entered the race, buoyed by Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement.
Evers expressed surprise at Barnes’ decision but reaffirmed his support for Crowley, citing Crowley’s work with him and Republican lawmakers on a deal to increase funding for local communities. Crowley urged Barnes’ supporters on social media to back him, saying, “There’s a place for you in what we’re building.” Francesca Hong, backed by the party’s liberal wing, has not yet commented. Long‑shot Joel Brennan noted that the primary had attracted more chaos than debate, a view echoed by many.
Election logistics are already in motion. Nearly 128,000 absentee ballots have been returned, and in‑person early voting is on its third day. Early voting has drawn a record turnout, reflecting heightened interest. A judge recently rejected a lawsuit that would have allowed voters who mailed absentee ballots to cancel them and vote again. The Democratic primary winner will face U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who carries former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, in the November 3 general election. Tiffany frames the contest as a choice between a “socialist agenda” and “common sense.”
Barnes’ withdrawal comes at a critical juncture. He had benefited from other candidates dropping out in the 2022 Senate race, but he fell short of incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson by fewer than 27,000 votes. With the governor’s seat open and the field narrowed, the race is expected to become even more competitive. His decision to pull out, coupled with ongoing scrutiny of his past conduct, underscores Wisconsin’s volatile political landscape as the state heads toward its 2026 elections. The outcome could influence national Democrats’ strategy in the Midwest.
