Mandela Barnes Is Betting Wisconsin Wants a Different Kind of Democrat
Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin’s former lieutenant governor, officially began his run for governor Tuesday, stepping into what is already a wide-open Democratic primary.
His decision follows Gov. Tony Evers’ announcement that he will retire at the end of his term.
Barnes launched his campaign with a message focused on the economic pressure facing families. He argued that many residents feel they work hard yet fall further behind, while wealthy Americans see tax breaks. In his video, he also accused former President Donald Trump of creating a climate of disorder that diverts attention from accountability.
“Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way: lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people. Under Trump, the name of the game has been distraction and chaos to avoid accountability,” Barnes said in the video.
“Here’s the reality check — the only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin way. It isn’t about left or right, it isn’t about who can yell the loudest — it’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home. A state where you can afford your health care. Where your kids can learn a skill and stay close to home. Where a good day’s work can earn a good day’s pay.”
He represented a Milwaukee district in the state Assembly before becoming the state’s first Black lieutenant governor in 2019.
He enters a Democratic field that already includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong and attorney Missy Hughes. Several party members had expected Barnes to run, though they do not anticipate the rest of the field stepping aside for him.
A poll from Marquette University in October found Democrats undecided about the race, with most respondents not yet committed to any candidate. Crowley topped the field in name recognition, followed by Rodriguez and Hong. Barnes was not measured in that poll.
The Republican primary features Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Trump has not said whether he will endorse.
The governor’s race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the nation in 2026. Wisconsin is among the few states Trump won in 2024 where Democrats must defend a governorship. The Cook Political Report calls the contest a toss-up. Barnes plans to begin a tour of the state this week, with visits scheduled in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay.
