Barnes exits Wisconsin governor race, reshaping a crowded Democratic primary

Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes quits the Democratic gubernatorial primary, acknowledging Francesca Hong’s lead as the field remains unsettled just over a week before the Aug. 11 vote. The move follows Sara Rodriguez’s earlier exit over financial-reporting errors, with David Crowley re-entering the race after Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement. A Marquette poll shows Hong at 38%, Barnes at 16%, Crowley at 7%, and 34% undecided, suggesting Barnes’ departure could boost Crowley as an alternative to Hong. Hong’s campaign has faced scrutiny over past defund/abolish police positions, though she’s emphasized universal childcare, healthcare, and limiting new data centers as parts of her platform.