Mandela Barnes Announces Gubernatorial Run in Wisconsin
Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes made waves on Tuesday by announcing his candidacy for governor, diving into what is shaping up to be a lively Democratic primary race for the open seat in this critical battleground state.
In a campaign launch video, the 39-year-old, who narrowly lost his bid for the U.S. Senate in 2022, emphasized his determination to combat the “chaos” left in the wake of President Donald Trump’s administration. He made affordability a cornerstone of his campaign, stating, “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 added. He offered what he called a “reality check” for Wisconsin voters. “The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin way,” he continued. “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 Trailblazer in Wisconsin Politics
Barnes served as lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023, making history as the first Black person to hold that office in Wisconsin. His political journey also includes two terms in the state Assembly, where he represented a Milwaukee-area district. After his narrow defeat to Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., in 2020, Barnes remained active in the political scene through his political action committee, which strives to support young, diverse, LGBTQ+, and working-class Democratic candidates across the nation.
Democratic Field Expands
Barnes’ entry into the race adds another layer to an already crowded Democratic field vying to succeed 74-year-old Gov. Tony Evers, who announced in July that he would not seek a third term. Notable candidates on the Democratic side include:
- Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez
- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
- State Sen. Kelda Roys, who previously ran for governor in 2018
- State Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist
- Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
On the Republican front, candidates include Rep. Tom Tiffany, representing a solidly Republican area in northern Wisconsin, and Josh Schoemann, the county executive of Washington County, a suburban region northwest of Milwaukee. Both parties are gearing up for competitive primary races.
Wisconsin’s Political Landscape
Wisconsin is one of five states won by Trump in the last elections where a Democratic-controlled governorship is up for grabs in 2026. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has categorized this race as a “toss-up.” Notably, this is the first open contest for governor in Wisconsin since 2010.
Barnes is set to kick off a listening tour this week, with stops in Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, where he aims to connect with voters regarding rising costs and share his vision for making Wisconsin more affordable for families.
Past Challenges and Future Aspirations
Barnes lost his 2022 Senate campaign by a razor-thin margin of 1 percentage point, approximately 27,000 votes. He positioned himself as a progressive candidate, faced with criticism from Republicans for his support of initiatives like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
In the lead-up to his campaign launch, some Democrats expressed skepticism about Barnes’ decision to run again after his recent loss. An editorial in the Milwaukee Courier, the city’s oldest Black-owned newspaper, remarked, “Mandela had his opportunity. He didn’t close. And that means it’s time for a new chapter.”
The governor’s race will undoubtedly headline a Wisconsin ballot lined with other competitive contests in 2026, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. For the first time in over a decade, partisan control of the state Legislature may also be at stake.
