Mandela Barnes announced on Thursday, July 30, 2026, that he is dropping out of the Democratic race for governor of Wisconsin less than two weeks before the August 11 primary. Barnes, the former lieutenant governor and 2022 Senate nominee, made the decision amid rising poll numbers for democratic socialist Francesca Hong.

In a video posted on X, Barnes said, “Last night I had a very difficult conversation with staff. We’re incredibly proud of all the things that we’ve accomplished and all the resources that we have raised to spread our message.”

The Democratic primary has been volatile, with Sara Rodriguez, once seen as a leading moderate contender, withdrawing earlier this month following revelations of significant inaccuracies in her campaign’s financial reporting. This development led Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to re-enter the race with Governor Evers’ endorsement shortly after ending his own campaign.

A Marquette University Law School poll released on Wednesday found Francesca Hong leading with 38% support among Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin, followed by Barnes at 16% and Crowley at 7%.

A Wisconsin Democratic operative commented that Barnes’ exit “opens a huge door for David Crowley.” However, some within Barnes’ campaign described the late endorsement from Evers as a “Hail Mary” that may have come too late to change the race dynamics.

During a recent interview on “Meet the Press Now,” Francesca Hong distanced herself from the national Democratic Socialists of America, stating, “there are issues that I disagree on” with the group.

Sources