Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, announced his withdrawal from the Democratic primary for governor on Thursday, July 30, 2026. He cited a lack of a viable path to the nomination as democratic socialist Francesca Hong surged ahead in the race.

Barnes posted a video on social media stating, “It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.” A recent Marquette Law School poll showed Hong leading with 38% support compared to Barnes’s 16%, with Hong consolidating liberal and young voter support.

Shortly after Barnes’s withdrawal, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported it had sent questions to Barnes regarding past anonymous allegations of inappropriate behavior submitted to the Wisconsin Democratic Party and local officials. According to the Journal Sentinel, the party hired a law firm in 2025 to investigate claims that Barnes used his position to pursue inappropriate relationships with “young adult women.”

The party’s internal review and external investigation found no actionable evidence, describing the claims as “anonymous and unspecific.” A statement affirmed, “There are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela.”

Barnes’s exit adds a significant development to the Wisconsin Democratic primary, a key battleground state that has been central to national election disputes since 2020. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed surprise at Barnes’s decision but reiterated his support for candidate Crowley, calling Crowley the strongest contender “even if Mandela was in,” according to the Associated Press.

Sources