Mandela Barnes campaigns in Wausau. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has announced he will run for Governor in 2026, looking to return to the Capitol after serving four years under Tony Evers.
Barnes made the announcement Tuesday morning in the form of a video, citing his experience in elected office. “I’ve served Wisconsin in our legislature and as your Lieutenant Governor. I know how to bring people together. And I know how to get things done,” said Barnes.
The Democrat was immediately slammed by the Republican favorite, Tom Tiffany. “Barnes is a dangerous far-left extremist who wants to defund the police, end cash bail, and abolish federal law enforcement. The fact that he is the Democrat frontrunner shows just how radical and out of touch the party has become,” said the 7th Congressional District Representative in a statement.
Barnes chose not to run for a second term as Lt. Gov in 2022, turning his attention to a run for US Senate. He would lose that bid to incumbent Ron Johnson. Since then, he has served as President of Power to the Polls Wisconsin, which engages infrequent voters.
Barnes plans a statewide tour to meet with voters and share his message, including stops in Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee this week.
As it stands, he will face a handful of other Democratic hopefuls in a primary election next August. The list includes current lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, state senator Kelda Roys, state assembly member Francesca Hong, businesswoman Missy Hughes, and former state representative Brett Hulsey.
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