Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, has officially announced his candidacy for governor. This declaration, made on Tuesday, follows his narrow defeat in the 2022 Senate race against incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson. At 39 years old, Barnes enters a competitive field of Democratic candidates as the most recognized name, presenting himself as a pragmatic leader focused on the rising cost of living in the state.
In his announcement video, Barnes emphasized a moderate approach, stating, “It isn’t about left or right. It’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home.” His campaign will succeed Tony Evers, the two-term Democrat who decided not to run for reelection after serving since 2019. The upcoming election is critical, as Wisconsin has been a key battleground, with five of the last seven presidential elections decided by a margin of one percentage point or less.
Despite his popularity among local Democrats, some within the party express reservations regarding Barnes’ ability to secure a general election victory, particularly following his Senate loss. An editorial in the Milwaukee Courier cautioned against risking another defeat, urging the party to consider the stakes involved in the 2026 election.
Barnes faces notable competition from several other Democratic contenders, including David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive; Francesca Hong, a state representative; and Missy Hughes, former economic adviser to Evers. Additional candidates include Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and state Senator Kelda Roys. Business executive Joel Brennan, who served in Evers’ administration, is also expected to enter the race.
On the Republican side, Representative Tom Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin’s north, leads the field, alongside Josh Schoemann, the Washington County executive. In his campaign video, Barnes sought to differentiate himself from Republican policies in Washington, criticizing tax breaks for the wealthy while working families face rising prices.
Since leaving office in 2023, Barnes has been active with a progressive political action committee named Power to the Polls Wisconsin. The organization has claimed significant achievements, including knocking on one million doors over the last three years and contributing to increased voter turnout in Milwaukee during the state Supreme Court election in April 2023.
Barnes’ fundraising capabilities may outpace his primary rivals, as his Senate campaign raised more funds than Johnson’s, despite being heavily outmatched by outside spending. However, challenges remain for Democratic candidates in raising large sums for state elections compared to federal races, which often attract more national attention.
The general election landscape in Wisconsin could shift dramatically, as state campaign finance laws permit unlimited contributions to state parties. This allows parties to transfer significant sums to endorsed candidates, creating some of the most expensive elections in the nation. In April 2023, over $100 million was spent on the state Supreme Court election, marking a record for judicial contests.
As the campaign heats up, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has begun its fundraising efforts for the general election. In September 2023, state party chair Devin Remiker announced the Wisconsin Governor Readiness Project, aiming to amass a multimillion-dollar fund to support the eventual primary winner.
With the stakes high, the race for Wisconsin’s governorship is shaping up to be a pivotal contest in the national political landscape. Barnes’ candidacy, bolstered by a robust fundraising network and a commitment to addressing key issues, positions him as a significant player in this crucial battleground state.
