Mandela Barnes withdraws from Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary as Francesca Hong takes the lead
Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes withdrew from the Democratic primary for governor on Thursday, less than two weeks before the August 11 election. The move follows a Marquette Law School poll showing democratic socialist Francesca Hong leading the field with 38 percent support, while Barnes held a distant second with 16 percent. Barnes signaled support for Hong in a social media video, stating that the party's nominee is now clear and urging Democrats to focus on defeating Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany. The exit comes as the primary becomes increasingly complex, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also vying for the nomination. Governor Tony Evers, who endorsed Crowley, expressed surprise at the move but noted that Barnes' decision was his own. The withdrawal also follows the recent exit of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez from the race. As the primary concludes, the Democratic party seeks to consolidate support around the front-runner to prepare for a general election battle against Tiffany in the key battleground state.