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Former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. Mandela Barnes launched his campaign for governor on Tuesday as part of a “Reality Check” campaign video posted on YouTube.
Barnes, who narrowly lost the race to senator. Ron JohnsonThe Wisconsin Republican entered the 2022 race to replace Gov. Tony Evers after he announced in July that he would not seek a third term.
“The only way for our state to move forward is to abandon the Washington Way and do things the Wisconsin way. It's not a matter of left or right. It's not about who shouts the loudest. This is about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home,” Barnes said in his campaign video.
He focused on the issue of affordability and took aim at the president Donald Trump for “distraction” and “chaos to avoid responsibility.”
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Gov. Tony Evers meets with Mandela Barnes during a rally in Milwaukee on Oct. 29, 2022, as both Democrats engage in intense midterm campaigning. (Scott Olson/Getty)
“This is not about the real world. This is a show. Disturbance. Performances. Everyone is trying to go viral. Meanwhile, families doing everything right are still falling behind,” Barnes added. “I served in the Wisconsin State Legislature and was your lieutenant governor. I know how to bring people together. And I know how to get things done.”
The 2026 gubernatorial race already includes Democrats with at least six major candidates, including Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez. Milwaukee County Executive David CrowleyState Sen. Kelda Royce, State Rep. Francesca Hong, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes and former State Rep. Brett Halsey are all in the race.
Voters mark their ballots while voting at the Waters Edge event site for the state Supreme Court election Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Several Wisconsin Democrats told Politico that Barnes' participation is unlikely to narrow the field of candidates as it did in his 2022 Senate primary.
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes attends a campaign rally for the U.S. Senate 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” of the nonpartisan “Cook Political Report.”
The current Republican candidates are Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., and Washington County Executive Josh Schumann.
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