Mandela Barnes Withdraws from Wisconsin Democratic Primary Amid Unfounded Smears, Progressive Hope Rises
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Mandela Barnes has stepped aside from the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary after the state party reviewed baseless, anonymous allegations, clearing the way for progressive champion Francesca Hong to lead the race.
Mandela Barnes announced on Thursday that he is ending his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor. The former lieutenant governor posted a video on his Facebook page stating, "It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be," and cited the recent review of past allegations against him as a factor in his decision. The Wisconsin Democratic Party had received anonymous letters in 2024 and 2025 alleging that Barnes used his party position to pursue inappropriate relationships with young adult women. A law firm hired to investigate concluded that the claims were unspecific and did not produce actionable findings. Barnes’ campaign issued a statement emphasizing that there are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against him, highlighting the lack of accountability for anonymous, unsubstantiated attacks that too often derail promising progressive leaders.
Barnes was the third Democratic candidate to leave the race; former lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez withdrew two weeks earlier amid a campaign-finance controversy, and former state economic development director Missy Hughes exited in June. After Rodriguez’s departure, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the contest with Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement and appealed to Barnes’ supporters, posting, "There’s a place for you in what we’re building." This demonstrates the party’s ongoing struggle to unite its base in the face of establishment maneuvering and smear tactics.
Governor Evers expressed surprise at Barnes’ exit, saying, "But he needs to do what he needs to do. I don’t know why he’s getting out. I have to believe it’s something relatively important." The lack of solidarity from party leadership in defending Barnes against baseless accusations is telling.
Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and bold advocate for working people, has emerged as the front-runner, leading a recent Marquette Law School poll of Democratic primary voters. The primary, scheduled for Aug. 11, will determine the party’s nominee to face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has the endorsement of far-right President Donald Trump. Tiffany characterized the upcoming general-election contest as a choice between a "socialist agenda" and "common sense," a tired right-wing trope that ignores the urgent needs of Wisconsin’s working families.
Early voting continues, with more than 128,000 absentee ballots already cast. A judge recently denied a Democratic-backed lawsuit seeking to allow voters to cancel previously returned absentee ballots and vote again, a setback for efforts to expand voter rights in the state.