- Mandela Barnes announces run for governor.
- Former Wisconsin lieutenant governor joins race.
- Entering crowded Democratic primary contest.
In an advertisement video, Barnes, 39, who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2022, presented his training as a way to strike back against the" chaos" of President Donald Trump’s administration and promised to make affordability one of crucial keystones of his trouble.
Barnes served as Wisconsin’s assistant governor from 2019 until 2023, getting the first Black person to hold that office in the state. He preliminarily spent two terms in the state Assembly, representing a Milwaukee- area seat.
“Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way: lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people. Under Trump, the name of the game has been distraction and chaos to avoid accountability,”
Barnes said in the video.
"Here’s the reality check — the only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin way,"
he continued.
"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. A state where you can afford your health care. Where your kids can learn a skill and stay close to home. Where a good day’s work can earn a good day’s pay.”
Barnes has continued to be involved in politics in the state through his political action committee, which seeks to support Democratic candidates nationwide who are, according to the organization's website, "young," "candidates of color," and "working class," following his close defeat to Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., three years ago.
Barnes’ entrance, which had been extensively anticipated, significantly expands an formerly expansive field of campaigners in both parties hoping to succeed 74- time-old Gov. Tony Evers, who said in July that he wouldn’t run for a third term.
On the Popular side, the list of campaigners involves Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, who stood unsuccessfully for governor in 2018, state Rep. Francesca Hong, who describes as a popular socialist, and Missy Hughes, formerly the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
As for the Republicans, Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents a pastoral and staunchly Democratic quarter including the utmost of the northern portion of the state, and Josh Schoemann, the county superintendent of Washington County, an exurban area northwest of Milwaukee, are among the campaigners.
The primaries for both major parties are expected to be competitive. Wisconsin is one of five states President Donald Trump won last year where a Democratic-controlled governorship is on the ballot in 2026. This is the state's first open election for governor since 2010, and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter has rated it as a "toss up."
Barnes is expected to launch off a listening tour of the state this week with meetings in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay, where his campaign said he will
“listen to concerns about rising costs and share his vision to make Wisconsin more affordable for families.”
An October editorial piece in the Milwaukee Courier, the city’s oldest Black-owned newspaper, claimed that, “Mandela had his opportunity. He failed to close. This implies that a new chapter is about to begin.
In 2026, the governor's campaign will be at the top of a Wisconsin ballot that will also feature contests for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. Partisan dominance of the state Legislature may also be at risk for the first time in over ten years.
How could Barnes' candidacy affect the 2026 general election outcome in Wisconsin?
As Wisconsin’s first Black assistant governor and a progressive champion, Barnes energizes civic and young demographics, particularly Black, Latino, and council- educated suburban choosers likely crucial to Popular turnout in a swing state. His once success with namer rallying groups( Power to the pates Wisconsin) bolsters this strength.
Barnes appeals to progressive and moderate Popular bases, differing with conservative Democratic Governor Brad Schimel( likely GOP designee). This appeal may help unify the Popular coalition to contend in competitive statewide races.
Barnes’ congressional crusade experience and fundraising networks offer a head start in erecting statewide reach and crusade staffing, critical in a populous and politically different state with tight perimeters.