Barnes Jumps Into Crowded Ring as Democrats Panic Over 2026 Fate

Paul Riverbank, 12/3/2025Mandela Barnes enters a crowded field, promising practical leadership in Wisconsin’s pivotal 2026 race.

If you’re looking for red-meat partisanship, you won’t find it here. Barnes steered away from the left-right slugfests that tend to pepper today’s politics, instead sketching scenes straight from ordinary life—rising grocery bills, jobs that don’t keep pace, and the pressure piling up on families no matter how hard they work. He didn’t reach for slogans. He asked, quite simply, whether Wisconsinites could afford to remain in the place they call home.

In a political atmosphere where viral moments often overshadow substance, Barnes’s approach marked a deliberate reset. “It’s a show. Outrage. Performances. Everybody trying to go viral. Meanwhile, families doing everything right are still falling behind,” he offered, not so much as a rallying cry but a sigh of exasperation that many voters might recognize.

He did, however, spare a moment for former President Trump, blaming him for sowing distraction and chaos—though Barnes was quick to pivot, making clear his real target was gridlock and performative bickering rather than any particular wing of the political spectrum. “It isn’t about left or right,” he said. “It’s not about who can yell the loudest.” It was an invitation to voters sick of the noise, looking for someone promising actual solutions rather than soundbites.

Yet, even as he calls for unity, Barnes is surrounded by rivals. At least seven Democrats have thrown their own names in the ring: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County’s David Crowley, Kelda Roys from the state senate, and others with titles and ambitions all their own. More, like Ryan Strnad, are circling, paperwork in hand. It’s already shaping up to be a scrum.

Barnes isn’t running in a vacuum—and not every Democrat is thrilled by his early entrance. Local outlets like the Milwaukee Courier and even national voices like The New York Times have sounded notes of caution. Their argument is as much about arithmetic as it is about messaging: in 2022, Barnes fell short while other Democrats scraped by. Why not let someone new try?

He shrugs off the chatter. “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,” he reminds anyone who’ll listen. Critics might label him a progressive or fret about climate and justice reform proposals turning off moderate voters, but Barnes points to his record of public service as evidence that broad coalitions are possible.

Republicans, meanwhile, have their own maneuvering to do. Congressman Tom Tiffany is already plotting his path, as is Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Both tout local credentials and national experience. Thus far, neither has opted for early fireworks—perhaps wary of squandering momentum this far from the finish line.

With Tony Evers stepping aside, the contest is as wide open as Wisconsin politics gets. The respected Cook Political Report calls the 2026 showdown a “toss-up," underscoring just how fluid the situation remains. Affordability, trust, and the style of leadership each contender brings—those will likely be the tentpoles as debates heat up and the field sharpens.

Voters, for now, seem weary. Many are tired of the endless posturing, less interested in ideology than in whether their next governor can clear the air and make life a bit more manageable. Over the coming year, as summer turns to election season and voices on all sides grow louder, one thing is clear: Reality will intrude, and promises—however artfully delivered—will face a barrage of Wisconsin skepticism.

It’s been barely two years since Mandela Barnes stepped off the campaign trail, narrowly losing his U.S. Senate run, but already he’s thrown his hat into Wisconsin’s turbulent governor's race. On a blustery morning, Barnes posted a campaign video—his tone clear, his ambitions clearer still: “The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin way.”If you’re looking for red-meat partisanship, you won’t find it here. Barnes steered away from the left-right slugfests that tend to pepper today’s politics, instead sketching scenes straight from ordinary life—rising grocery bills, jobs that don’t keep pace, and the pressure piling up on families no matter how hard they work. He didn’t reach for slogans. He asked, quite simply, whether Wisconsinites could afford to remain in the place they call home.In a political atmosphere where viral moments often overshadow substance, Barnes’s approach marked a deliberate reset. “It’s a show. Outrage. Performances. Everybody trying to go viral. Meanwhile, families doing everything right are still falling behind,” he offered, not so much as a rallying cry but a sigh of exasperation that many voters might recognize.He did, however, spare a moment for former President Trump, blaming him for sowing distraction and chaos—though Barnes was quick to pivot, making clear his real target was gridlock and performative bickering rather than any particular wing of the political spectrum. “It isn’t about left or right,” he said. “It’s not about who can yell the loudest.” It was an invitation to voters sick of the noise, looking for someone promising actual solutions rather than soundbites.Yet, even as he calls for unity, Barnes is surrounded by rivals. At least seven Democrats have thrown their own names in the ring: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County’s David Crowley, Kelda Roys from the state senate, and others with titles and ambitions all their own. More, like Ryan Strnad, are circling, paperwork in hand. It’s already shaping up to be a scrum.Barnes isn’t running in a vacuum—and not every Democrat is thrilled by his early entrance. Local outlets like the Milwaukee Courier and even national voices like The New York Times have sounded notes of caution. Their argument is as much about arithmetic as it is about messaging: in 2022, Barnes fell short while other Democrats scraped by. Why not let someone new try?He shrugs off the chatter. “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,” he reminds anyone who’ll listen. Critics might label him a progressive or fret about climate and justice reform proposals turning off moderate voters, but Barnes points to his record of public service as evidence that broad coalitions are possible.Republicans, meanwhile, have their own maneuvering to do. Congressman Tom Tiffany is already plotting his path, as is Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Both tout local credentials and national experience. Thus far, neither has opted for early fireworks—perhaps wary of squandering momentum this far from the finish line.With Tony Evers stepping aside, the contest is as wide open as Wisconsin politics gets. The respected Cook Political Report calls the 2026 showdown a “toss-up," underscoring just how fluid the situation remains. Affordability, trust, and the style of leadership each contender brings—those will likely be the tentpoles as debates heat up and the field sharpens.Voters, for now, seem weary. Many are tired of the endless posturing, less interested in ideology than in whether their next governor can clear the air and make life a bit more manageable. Over the coming year, as summer turns to election season and voices on all sides grow louder, one thing is clear: Reality will intrude, and promises—however artfully delivered—will face a barrage of Wisconsin skepticism.