Mandela Barnes ends Democratic campaign for Wisconsin governor - jsonline.com
Mandela Barnes has suspended his campaign for Wisconsin governor following reports of alleged sexual misconduct. Despite an internal party review finding no actionable evidence, Barnes withdrew from the race as polling showed state Rep. Francesca Hong gaining momentum.
Why it matters
The withdrawal significantly alters the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary landscape and highlights the impact of investigative journalism on political campaigns.
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has ended his campaign for governor.
The decision by Barnes came amid reporting by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel into allegations that Barnes was taking advantage of his role in the party to have sexual encounters with young adult women. The Journal Sentinel is continuing to report the story .
The state Democratic Party in 2025 hired a law firm to look into similar claims sent in a letter but the allegations they received were anonymous and unspecific. The letter was sent to the party, local party officials and media outlets, among others who examined the claims.
The party's internal review and outside probe found nothing actionable, according to a source familiar with the party's response. Barnes has not been accused of any crimes.
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