Mandela Barnes launches Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign in crowded field

Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes launched his gubernatorial campaign Tuesday in a “reality check.” Campaign video Published on YouTube.

Barnes, who narrowly lost the race to Sen. Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, in 2022, jumped into the race to fill Gov. Tony Evers’ seat after he announced in July that he would not seek a third term.

“The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and do things the Wisconsin way,” Barnes said in his campaign video. “It’s not about left or right. It’s not about who can scream louder. It’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home.”

He focused on the issue of affordability and targeted President Donald Trump for “distraction” and “chaos to avoid accountability.”

The only GOP gubernatorial candidates running in 2025 are relying on major Trump campaign tactics.

“It’s not about the real world. It’s a show. It’s a rage. It’s a show. Everyone’s trying to go viral. Meanwhile, families who are doing everything right are still being left behind,” Barnes added. “I have served the state of Wisconsin in our legislature and as your lieutenant governor. I know how to bring people together. I know how to get things done.”

The 2026 governor’s race is already crowded on the Democratic side, with at least six major candidates — including Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Ruiz, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes, and former state Rep. Brett Hulsey — all in the running.

Voters place their ballot marks while voting at the Water’s Edge event venue for the state Supreme Court election, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolfe)

Many Democrats in Wisconsin Politico said Barnes’ entry is unlikely to narrow the field, as it did in the 2022 Senate primary.

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Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes attends a US Senate campaign rally in Madison on November 2, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty)

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The primary election is scheduled for August 11, 2026 The race is currently rated As a “toss-up” by the nonpartisan Cook Policy Report.

Republican candidates so far include Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wisconsin, and Washington County Executive Josh Shuman.