Democrat Drops Out Of Key Race

Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor was thrown into turmoil Thursday after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes unexpectedly suspended his campaign, dramatically reshaping the race less than two weeks before the Aug. 11 primary election. Barnes’ decision followed disappointing poll numbers and renewed attention on previously reviewed allegations that his campaign firmly denies.

The move comes as Democratic state Rep. Francesca Hong has gained momentum with support from the party’s progressive wing, positioning herself as the apparent frontrunner in the increasingly unsettled contest.

Barnes announced his decision in a video posted on social media, telling supporters that the direction of the race had become clear.

“It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be,” Barnes said.

Poll Shows Barnes Losing Ground

Barnes’ withdrawal came just one day after a new Marquette Law School poll found Hong holding a commanding lead over the rest of the Democratic field. While roughly one-third of Democratic primary voters remained undecided, the survey indicated Barnes faced an uphill battle in the race’s final days.

Once viewed as one of Wisconsin Democrats’ most recognizable political figures, Barnes struggled to regain the momentum that had made him a statewide candidate in previous elections.

His departure marks another major shake-up in a Democratic primary that has seen multiple high-profile candidates leave the race before voters cast their final ballots.

Past Allegations Receive Renewed Attention

Barnes’ announcement also coincided with reports that the Wisconsin Democratic Party had previously reviewed anonymous allegations involving the former lieutenant governor.

The review ultimately found no basis for disciplinary action because the allegations were anonymous and lacked specific, verifiable information.

Barnes’ campaign strongly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing.

Democratic Field Continues to Shrink

Barnes is now the third prominent Democrat to suspend a gubernatorial campaign this year.

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her campaign just weeks ago following questions surrounding campaign finance issues. Former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes also exited the race earlier this summer.

Following Rodriguez’s departure, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reentered the contest after securing the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers.

Shortly after Barnes announced his decision, Crowley appealed directly to the former lieutenant governor’s supporters.

“There’s a place for you in what we’re building,” Crowley wrote on social media.

Gov. Tony Evers Stands Behind His Endorsement

Gov. Tony Evers acknowledged he was surprised by Barnes’ decision but said only Barnes knows the reasons behind ending his campaign.

“I don’t know why he’s getting out. I have to believe it’s something relatively important,” Evers told reporters.

The governor reaffirmed his endorsement of Crowley, saying he believed Crowley remained the strongest Democratic candidate regardless of whether Barnes had stayed in the race.

Evers pointed to Crowley’s record of working with both his administration and Republican lawmakers on legislation that increased funding for local communities, arguing that experience made him the best choice to lead the Democratic ticket.

Early Voting Already Underway

The latest developments come after nearly 128,000 Wisconsin voters had already returned absentee ballots while in-person early voting was also underway.

Adding another twist to the election, a Wisconsin judge recently rejected a lawsuit backed by the Democratic Party that sought to allow voters who had already submitted absentee ballots to withdraw them and vote again before Election Day.

Longshot Democratic candidate Joel Brennan criticized the turmoil surrounding the primary.

“It’s unfortunate for voters that this primary has gotten more attention for chaos than the stakes of this election,” Brennan said.

Republicans Watch Democratic Shake-Up

The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in the general election.

Tiffany, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, faces only minimal opposition in the Republican primary and is widely expected to secure his party’s nomination.

With Democrats continuing to experience internal changes and multiple candidates leaving the race, Republicans are entering the final stretch with a far more stable political landscape.

Barnes’ Political Journey Comes Full Circle

Barnes’ decision carries added significance given his recent political history.

During Wisconsin’s 2022 U.S. Senate race, several Democratic candidates stepped aside, effectively clearing the field for Barnes to become the party’s nominee. He ultimately lost to Republican Sen. Ron Johnson by fewer than 27,000 votes in one of the nation’s closest Senate contests.

At the time, many Democrats viewed Barnes as one of the party’s rising stars with statewide appeal. His decision to end his gubernatorial campaign before primary voters cast their ballots marks a dramatic change in Wisconsin’s political landscape.

What’s Next for Wisconsin?

With the Democratic primary entering its final days, Barnes’ departure leaves voters with a significantly smaller field and increases the pressure on the remaining candidates to consolidate support before Election Day.

Meanwhile, Republicans are preparing for the general election with Tom Tiffany expected to lead the GOP ticket and the backing of President Donald Trump already secured.

As early voting continues and the Aug. 11 primary approaches, Wisconsin’s governor’s race has quickly become one of the state’s most closely watched political contests, with both parties preparing for what could be a highly competitive battle in November.