Mandela Barnes drops out of high-stakes Wisconsin governor’s race

Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, has dropped out of the Democratic primary race for governor, creating a significant shift in the contest just under two weeks before the August 11 election.

Barnes announced his decision via a social media video, stating that he no longer saw a clear path to securing the nomination. He acknowledged the surge of democratic socialist Francesca Hong, who has established a commanding lead in recent polling.

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It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.

"It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be," Barnes, 39, said. A Marquette Law School poll showed Hong with 38% support, significantly ahead of Barnes's 16%, with a third of primary voters still undecided. Hong has consolidated liberal support, particularly among younger voters.

The withdrawal came shortly after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on past allegations of inappropriate behavior. These claims, anonymously submitted to the Wisconsin Democratic party, were investigated by the state party and an external law firm in 2025. The investigations reportedly found no actionable evidence due to the anonymous and unspecific nature of the claims.

Barnes's campaign denied any wrongdoing, issuing a statement that "There are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela." The party's internal review and outside investigation concluded the claims lacked sufficient detail for action, according to the Journal Sentinel, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter.

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There are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela.

Barnes's departure marks the third Democrat to exit the race. Lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez withdrew two weeks prior amid a campaign finance scandal, and Missy Hughes, a former state economic development director, also ended her campaign earlier this summer. Milwaukee county executive David Crowley has re-entered the race with the endorsement of Governor Tony Evers, who is not seeking re-election.

A judge recently rejected an effort by the Democratic party to allow voters who had already cast absentee ballots to recast them, citing concerns about early votes for candidates no longer in the race. Crowley is now appealing to Barnes's supporters, stating, "There’s a place for you in what we’re building." Governor Evers expressed surprise at Barnes's decision but reiterated his support for Crowley, whom he believes is the strongest candidate.

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There’s a place for you in what we’re building.