Dec. 2 (UPI) — Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes announced Tuesday that he will run for governor of the state, joining a wide field of contenders.
Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, will retire after his term expires next year.
There are several Democrats in the running, including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Rep. Francesca Hong, state Sen. Kelda Roys and attorney Missy Hughes.
Barnes, 39, lost his 2022 Senate race against Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., which makes him a less-likely contender.
In his launch video, Barnes focused on affordability.
“Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way: lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people,” Barnes said. “Under Trump, the name of the game has been distraction and chaos to avoid accountability.
“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 said. “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.”
In an October Marquette University poll, the primary race was still wide open with 81% of Democrats undecided. It didn’t poll for Barnes because he hadn’t yet entered the race.
The Republican primary so far has Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
Barnes was the first Black Wisconsin lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023 under Evers. He served two terms in the state Assembly, representing the Milwaukee area. Since his loss to Johnson, he has stayed active in politics through his political action committee.
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