Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary took another dramatic turn Thursday after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes announced he was suspending his campaign just hours after reports emerged that he was weighing an exit ahead of the publication of potentially damaging media coverage.
The sudden decision immediately reshaped the race and intensified questions about the state of the Democratic primary as party leaders scramble to prevent a fractured field from benefiting Republicans in the general election.
Earlier in the day, Politico reported that Barnes and his campaign team had been discussing whether to withdraw from the race before articles described as potentially damaging were expected to be published. The report cited Democratic officials who were bracing for the upcoming stories, although Barnes’ campaign denied that the move was tied to allegations of misconduct.
Campaign spokesman Darby O’Connor said in a statement that “there are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela.”
Not long after Politico’s report was published, Barnes confirmed he was ending his campaign.
“Last night I had a very difficult conversation with staff,” Barnes said in a video posted to X.
“We’re incredibly proud of all the things that we’ve accomplished and all the resources that we have raised to spread our message. But it’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.”
Barnes did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind his decision, leaving political observers to speculate about the timing of the announcement and the impact of the anticipated news reports.
His departure comes as the Democratic primary has become increasingly competitive and ideologically divided. Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong has gained momentum in recent polling, creating concern among more moderate Democrats who fear her nomination could complicate the party’s chances in November.
Those concerns have prompted several prominent Democrats to rally around Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who reentered the race late after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s campaign faltered.
Gov. Tony Evers has also thrown his support behind Crowley, endorsing his candidacy and scheduling campaign appearances and fundraising events on his behalf during the closing weeks of the primary campaign.
According to Politico, some Democrats close to Barnes believe his withdrawal could help consolidate moderate voters behind Crowley in an effort to stop Hong’s surge.
The developments mark a remarkable reversal for Barnes, who entered the race as one of the party’s best-known figures after serving as Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor and later becoming the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2022. Although he ultimately lost that Senate race, Barnes remained a prominent figure within state Democratic politics and was widely viewed as a serious contender for governor.
Instead, his campaign has come to an abrupt end just as the primary enters its final stretch.
With Barnes now out of the race, the Democratic contest appears poised to become a two-track battle between Crowley, who is backed by much of the party establishment, and Hong, whose progressive campaign has energized the party’s left wing.
Whether Barnes’ exit ultimately succeeds in consolidating support behind Crowley or further energizes Hong’s supporters remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Democratic primary has entered a new phase, with party leaders hoping to avoid a divisive finish while Republicans prepare for what is expected to be a closely watched gubernatorial election in Wisconsin.
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