Mandela Barnes ends Democratic campaign for Wisconsin governor

Key Points:

• Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has ended his gubernatorial campaign amid ongoing allegations reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about inappropriate sexual encounters, though no crimes have been alleged and internal party probes found no actionable evidence.
• Barnes' withdrawal came shortly after the race's only televised debate and new polling showed state Rep. Francesca Hong leading significantly, with Barnes acknowledging Hong as the likely Democratic nominee.
• Despite raising the most funds among Democratic candidates—$1.4 million total—Barnes spent heavily during the campaign and ended June with just over $200,000 in funds remaining.
• Barnes, who previously served as Wisconsin's first African-American lieutenant governor and narrowly lost a 2022 U.S. Senate race, pledged to support the Democratic nominee but expressed doubts about Hong's electability against Republican Tom Tiffany.
• The Democratic primary race was further complicated when Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez withdrew, and Gov. Tony Evers endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley instead of Barnes, adding to the race's uncertainty.