Wisconsin Democrat Mandela Barnes Exits Gubernatorial Race as Investigation Looms

Mandela Barnes, who served as Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023, abruptly halted his bid for the state’s top office Thursday, announcing that Democratic primary support had shifted elsewhere. In a brief statement, Barnes acknowledged the direction of the race without endorsing a successor or detailing his reasoning beyond party dynamics.

Barnes had been considered a competitive contender for the Democratic nomination, buoyed by his prior service alongside outgoing Gov. Tony Evers and backing from U.S. Senator Adam Schiff of California, who had lauded him as a “bold leader” needed to challenge the Trump administration. The timing of his withdrawal coincided with reports that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was investigating allegations that Barnes may have misused his position to pursue unwanted sexual advances toward women.

A Barnes campaign representative denied any misconduct allegations to Politico, though the campaign did not directly address whether the emerging investigation factored into the suspension decision. The primary is scheduled for August 11.

Wisconsin state Representative Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley remain among the principal Democratic contenders. Hong, a democratic socialist, has raised approximately $709,000 as of late June and secured endorsements from U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, while Crowley has accumulated $250,000 and earned Evers’ endorsement based on his administrative experience.

In his exit video, Barnes urged party unity against the presumptive Republican nominee, emphasizing healthcare access and living standards as central concerns for Wisconsin voters heading into November’s general election.