Former Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes announced Thursday he is suspending his campaign for governor, citing a lack of sufficient support to secure the Democratic Party nomination in an upcoming primary.
"It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be," Barnes said in a statement. "While I may be suspending my campaign, I’ll never give up my fight for Wisconsin."
Barnes, who was previously the Lt. Governor of Wisconsin from 2019 to 2023, was considered a frontrunner in the race to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers due to his name recognition and proximity to the governor. His departure leaves state Rep. Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley as the most prominent candidates in the field.
Barnes' campaign departure comes amid reports that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is investigating allegations that he may have abused his position to make sexual advances toward women in the workplace. A spokesperson for Barnes told Politico that "there are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela," and the campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the reporting influenced his decision.
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., had previously endorsed Barnes, describing him as "the kind of bold leader we need to take on the Trump Administration." In his departure video, Barnes urged Democrats to unite against the presumptive Republican nominee, Rep. Tom Tiffany.
"Now I said from the very beginning when I launched this campaign that the no. 1 goal was taking on and defeating Tom Tiffany to deliver big wins for Democrats up and down the ticket," Barnes said. "Now it’s our time to come together and focus our efforts on that one goal. We have to do everything to be Tom Tiffany. This is life or death for Wisconsinites who are losing their healthcare under a Trump administration."
Barnes' platform included increasing taxes on top earners, freezing energy costs, providing universal childcare, and lowering housing costs. Gov. Evers endorsed Crowley over Barnes, citing Crowley's experience.
Hong has garnered support from progressive figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. As of late June, she had raised approximately $709,000, according to state records. Crowley had secured $250,000 and has the backing of local organizations and officials.
The gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for August 11.