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Democratic Field Widens as Mandela Barnes Enters Race
Mandela Barnes’ announcement that he is running for Wisconsin governor was met with an immediate reminder of his past positions.
Barnes announced his campaign Tuesday morning with a launch 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,” Barnes said in his video.
Barnes is now the sixth major Democrat to jump into next year’s race to replace Gov. Tony Evers.
Barnes served as Evers’ lieutenant governor for four years before deciding to run for U.S. Senate. He lost that race.
Many politicos in the state say Barnes is the frontrunner in the race because of his name recognition and fundraising potential.
But some Democrats don’t want Barnes to run. An op-ed in the Milwaukee Courier newspaper back in October said Barnes "had his opportunity. He didn’t close. And that means it’s time for a new chapter."
Barnes, on Tuesday, was also met with instant criticism from Republican Tom Tiffany.
“Mandela Barnes is a dangerous far-left extremist who wants to defund the police, end cash bail, and abolish federal law enforcement. The fact that he is the Democrat frontrunner shows just how radical and out of touch the party has become. Wisconsinites rejected him in 2022, and they will do it again in 2026,” Tiffany said in a statement.
Tiffany also released a Top 10 list of why Barnes would be “WRONG for Wisconsin.”
Voters will have plenty of time to process Barnes' promises, and the criticism of him. The primary in the governor’s race isn’t until next August.
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