Mandela Barnes Withdraws from Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary

Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes withdrew from the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin on July 30, 2026, less than two weeks before the August 11 election. In a Facebook announcement, Barnes cited a lack of a viable path to the nomination after Marquette Law School polls showed State Representative Francesca Hong holding a commanding lead.

Barnes' exit coincided with Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Democratic Party of Wisconsin had previously investigated anonymous allegations that he used his party role to pursue sexual encounters with young adult women. While a 2025 internal probe involving a law firm found no actionable evidence and Barnes' campaign denied any misconduct, the reports emerged alongside a campaign finance complaint filed against him with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission by an attorney supporting candidate David Crowley.

Governor Tony Evers expressed surprise at the withdrawal and maintained his endorsement of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, describing him as the best candidate in the race. Crowley immediately appealed to Barnes' supporters to join his campaign to defeat the presumptive Republican nominee, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany.

Barnes is the third Democrat to exit the race, following Sara Rodriguez and Missy Hughes. The field now consists of Hong, a democratic socialist, Crowley, Joel Brennan, and Kelda Roys. In-person early voting for the primary began on August 1.