Key facts
- Mandela Barnes withdrew from the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor on Thursday.
- Barnes cited Francesca Hong's lead in polls and questions about past allegations as reasons for his withdrawal.
- The Wisconsin Democratic Party reviewed anonymous allegations of inappropriate behavior against Barnes but found no actionable evidence.
- David Crowley rejoined the race with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers.
- The winner of the Democratic primary will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.
Mandela Barnes withdrew from the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor on Thursday, citing Francesca Hong's strong poll numbers and questions surrounding past allegations. Barnes, the former lieutenant governor, announced his decision in a video posted on Facebook, stating it was clear who the nominee would be.
The withdrawal follows reports that the state Democratic Party had reviewed anonymous allegations of inappropriate behavior against Barnes. A law firm hired by the party in 2025 found no actionable evidence due to the allegations being unspecific and anonymous. Barnes' campaign issued a statement asserting no misconduct or wrongdoing against him.
Barnes' decision comes as Francesca Hong leads the primary field, though about one-third of voters remained undecided. The race has seen other candidates drop out, including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former state economic development director Missy Hughes. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has rejoined the race with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers, who expressed surprise at Barnes's departure.
Barnes's exit occurs with early voting underway and nearly 128,000 absentee ballots already returned. A judge rejected a lawsuit that sought to allow voters who had cast absentee ballots to cancel and re-vote. The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Barnes previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, losing to Republican Ron Johnson by fewer than 27,000 votes after other candidates cleared the field for him.