Gov. Tony Evers meets Mandela Barnes during a rally in Milwaukee on Oct. 29, 2022, as both Democrats campaign in tight midterm races. (Scott Olson/Getty)
"It's not about the real world. It's a show. Outrage. Performances. Everybody trying to go viral. Meanwhile, families doing everything right are still falling behind," Barnes added. "I served Wisconsin in our legislature and as your lieutenant governor. I know how to bring people together. And I know how to get things done."
The 2026 race for governor is already crowded on the Democratic side, with at least six major candidates — including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes and ex-State Rep. Brett Hulsey — all in the running.
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes attends a U.S. Senate campaign rally in Madison on Nov. 2, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty)
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The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026, and the race is currently rated as a "toss up" by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Republican candidates so far include Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
Ashley Carnahan is a writer at Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mandela-barnes-announces-bid-wisconsin-governor-after-narrow-2022-senate-loss