Mandela Barnes announces Democratic bid in Wisconsin gubernatorial race

On Tuesday, former Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D) announced his bid for the state’s gubernatorial race next year.

Barnes posted an announcement video on his social media channels on Tuesday morning, where he focused on affordability and health care costs.

This moment demands bold leadership for Wisconsin. That’s why I’m running for Governor.

Wisconsin, let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/HIwhqz5MB5

— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) December 2, 2025

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) will not seek a third term in 2026. Evers and Barnes were running mates in the 2018 gubernatorial race, and Barnes served as Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor from 2019-23. The 39-year-old also served in the Wisconsin state Assembly from 2013-17. 

Barnes stepped down to seek the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), who he lost to in an extremely tight race (50.4%-49.4%) in the 2022 midterms. Barnes has previously advocated for several progressive policies, including Medicare for All, the Green New Deal and raising the minimum wage.

Barnes joins a competitive race

Barnes joins a crowded Democratic primary field in the party’s effort to retain the governor’s mansion in one of the country’s notorious swing states. The announced candidates include state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison), state Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (D).

On the Republican side, the current frontrunner out of the declared candidates is U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R). A recent poll from RealClear Polling showed Barnes leading the Democratic field and former U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde leading the Republican candidates. Hovde has not formally announced his candidacy, but he has expressed interest in running for governor next year after losing the 2024 U.S. Senate race to incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D). 

Tiffany issued a statement accusing Barnes of being a “far-left extremist.”

GOP candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany responds: pic.twitter.com/eYqgh5TNja

— Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) December 2, 2025