Mandela Barnes drops out of race for Wisconsin governor

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is ending his campaign for governor. 

Barnes announced the decision in a social media post on July 30. The decision comes amid allegations that he took advantage of his role in the state Democratic party to engage in sexual encounters with women. 

The state Democratic Party reviewed the matter last year. The Milwaukee Courier continued to investigate the allegations, which came to light in recent years, and found no criminal wrongdoing but did find immature behavior with women.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a story late on July 30 citing anonymous sources that don’t accuse Barnes of criminal behavior, but of consensual sex with young adult women just getting started in state Democratic Party politics.   

“I’m a single man and I have dated a lot. Looking back, there are times where I wish I acted with more maturity,” Barnes told the outlet. “But I want to be very clear. I have not nor am I being accused of any misconduct or wrongdoing.“

The Courier wrote an editorial in October 2025 and directly told Barnes that he should not have sought the governor’s mansion. 

In recent years, an anonymous letter was sent to the chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party alleging unsubstantiated claims that the former lieutenant governor has used his power and influence to harm women.

The letter was sent to former WisDems chair Ben Wikler in 2023 and then re-sent late in 2025 to current chair Devin Remiker and Barnes’ then-Democratic opponents, and was reshared by a local blog on July 9. The letter also appeared on social media just before the Democratic state convention. 

Party officials said an independent investigator was hired to look into the claims but the allegations they received were anonymous and unspecific.

Barnes said in his announcement video that he is committed to defeating Tom Tiffany in November. 

Barnes was polling at about 16% statewide in the latest Marquette University Law School poll. He did not make an endorsement in his announcement video. 

“Last night, I had a very difficult conversation with my staff,” he said. “Now, we are incredibly proud of all the things we have accomplished and all the resources we have raised to spread our message. But, it’s become very clear who our nominee is gonna be.” 

Francesca Hong has a commanding lead, 38%, in primary polling. 

“The Barnes campaign helped grow the progressive movement,” Hong said in a statement. “Our campaign is working towards building a fair economy, strengthening unions, funding public schools and building permanent affordability for working families.

“To everyone who supported Mandela because you believe working people deserve a government that fights for them, I welcome you to our movement.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is endorsed by sitting Gov. Tony Evers and polling at about 7%, also immediately made an attempt for Barnes’ supporters.

“To everyone who backed Mandela: there’s a place for you in what we’re building. It’s going to take all of us to beat Tom Tiffany. Let’s get to work,” Crowley said in a statement.

Election Day is Aug. 11.