Mandela Barnes withdraws from Wisconsin governor contest as Hong leads

Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has withdrawn from the Democratic race for governor, saying it had become clear who the party's nominee would be.

According to POLITICO, Barnes announced his decision in a video posted on social media, saying: “It’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be. We have to do everything to beat Tom Tiffany,” referring to the expected Republican nominee.

POLITICO reported that Barnes' decision came as Democratic officials prepared for media reports concerning allegations about his conduct.

Shortly after he ended his campaign, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported it was investigating claims that Barnes had used his role within the state Democratic Party to pursue sexual relationships with young women.

The publication said Barnes has not been accused of any crimes, and that the party's 2025 review did not result in an actionable outcome.

Barnes' campaign spokesperson Darby O’Connor said: “there are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela.”

Recent polling showed state lawmaker Francesca Hong leading the Democratic primary, ahead of Barnes and David Crowley.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who has endorsed Crowley, said he was “surprised” by Barnes' decision, adding: “I don’t know why he’s getting out. I have to believe it’s something relatively important, but at the end of the day, it’s his call.”