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Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is entering the state's gubernatorial race.
On Tuesday (December 2), Barnes launched his campaign to succeed retiring Democrat Tony Evers for Wisconsin governor, per Politico.
Barnes announced his gubernatorial bid in a video, centering his messaging on affordability and challenging GOP policies.
“Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way — lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people," Barnes said.
“Under Trump, the name of the game has been distraction and chaos to avoid accountability,” he added. “It isn’t about left or right, it isn’t about who can yell the loudest. It’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home.”
Barnes, who lost his 2022 Senate bid to Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, is facing an already crowded field in the race for Wisconsin governor. At least six Democrats are already running, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, state Rep. Francesca Hong, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and attorney Missy Hughes. Evers announced earlier this year that he would not seek a third term.
An October Marquette University poll showed the race wide open, with 81 percent of Democrats undecided for the August primary. Crowley led in name recognition at 26 percent, followed by Rodriguez at 25 percent and Hong at 22 percent. Barnes wasn't included in the survey because he hadn't yet entered the race.
Republicans also have a contested primary. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are running, and President Donald Trump hasn't issued an endorsement.
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