Mandela Barnes declares run for governor

(MADISON) — Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes officially entered the wide-open race for governor on Monday, adding his name to an already crowded Democratic primary field.

Barnes, who previously served as a state lawmaker and ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2022, is framing his gubernatorial campaign around economic issues.

“It isn’t about who can yell the loudest—it’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home. A state where you can afford your healthcare. Where your kids can learn a skill and stay close to home. Where a good day’s work can earn a good day’s pay,” he said in an announcement video launched Tuesday morning.

Barnes formerly served as Lieutenant Governor in Gov. Evers’ first term. Evers announced in July that he wouldn’t run for a third term, meaning 2026 will bring the first open-seat election for governor since 2010.

And Barnes joins a crowded field of other Democrats running, including current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Rep. Francesca Hong, state Sen. Kelda Roys, former economic development leader Missy Hughes, college student Zachary Roper and former state Rep. Brett Hulsey.

Three Republicans have announced campaigns: U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and medical technician Andy Manske.

Primaries for both parties are scheduled for next August.