Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out of the Democratic primary for governor on July 30, leaving four candidates to compete in the wisconsin governor race ahead of the Aug. 11 election. In a video posted on social media, Barnes acknowledged the shifting landscape of the contest, saying “it’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be”—a clear reference to state Rep. Francesca Hong, who has surged to a commanding lead.
A Marquette Law School Poll conducted July 22-27 found Hong leading with 38% of Democratic primary voters, followed by Barnes with 16% and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley at 7%. Former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and State Sen. Kelda Roys each claimed 2% support, while 34% remained undecided. Barnes’ exit came just one day after the poll’s release, which showed him trailing Hong by 22 percentage points.
Barnes, 39, had once been considered a rising star in Wisconsin Democratic politics. He served as the first Black lieutenant governor in state history during Gov. Tony Evers’ first term and narrowly lost the 2022 U.S. Senate race to Republican Ron Johnson by fewer than 27,000 votes. His decision to run for governor this year gave him another shot at a statewide office after that close defeat.
The Wisconsin Democratic primary has been marked by unprecedented chaos. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, whom moderate Democrats had championed as a leading contender, withdrew earlier this month following major inaccuracies in her campaign’s financial reporting. Former economic development director Missy Hughes had dropped out in June. After Rodriguez’s exit, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the race with an endorsement from Gov. Evers—a move that came after he had previously ended his campaign.
Hong’s rise has reshaped the contest. The 37-year-old state representative, who describes herself as a democratic socialist, has built strong support among younger and very liberal voters. According to the Marquette poll, she wins two-thirds of voters aged 18-29 and 74% of those describing themselves as very liberal. Her campaign has emphasized universal childcare, healthcare access, and opposition to new data center development.
Barnes’ withdrawal could benefit Crowley, who has positioned himself as a moderate alternative to Hong. When asked about their second choice, 20% of primary voters selected Barnes, suggesting his supporters represent a meaningful pool of votes. Crowley directly appealed to those voters on social media, writing, “To everyone who backed Mandela: there’s a place for you in what we’re building.” Gov. Evers’ endorsement of Crowley has been heard by 62% of Democratic primary voters, with 36% saying it makes them more likely to support him.
Hong has faced scrutiny over past calls to defund police, though she has distanced herself from those positions in recent weeks. During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press Now,” she avoided committing to seeking Barnes’ endorsement, saying her campaign is focused on “welcoming everyone to our movement.” When asked if she disagreed with the national Democratic Socialists for America on any issues, she said, “there are issues that I disagree on” with the group, signaling an effort to broaden her appeal beyond the progressive base.
Nearly 128,000 voters had already cast absentee ballots as of late July, and early in-person voting was underway when Barnes made his announcement. A judge had rejected a Democratic Party lawsuit seeking to allow voters who returned absentee ballots to cancel them and vote again, meaning many voters will not be able to change their choice even after Barnes’ exit.
Sources
- NBC News — Barnes’ announcement, his polling position, Hong’s surge, and context on the race’s volatility
- PBS Wisconsin/Associated Press — Barnes’ exit date, the four remaining candidates, allegations context, and Evers’ reaction
- Marquette Law School Poll — July 22-27 polling data showing Hong at 38%, Barnes at 16%, Crowley at 7%, Brennan and Roys at 2% each, demographic breakdowns, and undecided voters
- Wisconsin Public Radio — Hong’s background, campaign focus, and demographic support patterns
