Mandela Barnes Ends Wisconsin Governor Bid as Francesca Hong Leads Democratic Race
Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes exits the Wisconsin governor contest as Democrats focus on defeating Republican frontrunner Tom Tiffany in the upcoming election.
Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has withdrawn from the Democratic race for governor, ending his campaign as state lawmaker Francesca Hong emerges as the leading candidate in the primary contest.
Barnes announced his decision in a video shared on social media, saying it had become clear who the Democratic nominee was likely to be. He urged party members to unite behind the effort to challenge Republican candidate Tom Tiffany.
“I think it’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be,” Barnes said while explaining his decision to step aside.
The announcement came as Democratic officials were reportedly preparing for media coverage involving allegations related to Barnes’ conduct. Shortly after his withdrawal, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said it was reviewing claims involving Barnes’ interactions with young women during his time in state politics.
The newspaper reported that Barnes has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. It also noted that a Democratic Party review conducted in 2025 did not lead to disciplinary action.
Barnes’ campaign rejected claims of misconduct, with spokesperson Darby O’Connor stating that there were “no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela.”
The former lieutenant governor entered the race with significant name recognition after serving as Wisconsin’s second-highest elected official and later running as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022.
However, recent polling showed state Representative Francesca Hong gaining an advantage in the Democratic primary, with Barnes and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley trailing behind.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who has endorsed Crowley in the primary, said he was surprised by Barnes’ decision but acknowledged that it was ultimately Barnes’ choice.
The Wisconsin governor’s race remains one of the most closely watched political contests as Democrats prepare for a major battle against Republicans in a key swing state. Barnes’ exit reshapes the Democratic primary landscape heading into the election season.