Story perspectives

Barnes Withdraws, Crowley Re-enters Amid Misconduct Claims

8/1/2026

Left

Barnes Withdraws

Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes announced on July 30, 2026 that he is withdrawing from the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported allegations that Barnes used his party role to pursue sexual encounters with young adult women, coinciding with his exit.
Barnes raised $1.4 million and held $204,208 cash on hand in June.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the race with Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement.

Right

Barnes Exits Race

Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes announced on July 30, 2026 that he is withdrawing from Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary.
His exit was framed as for Democrats to unite and defeat Republican Tom Tiffany, warning a Trump administration would strip Wisconsinites of care.
He posted the withdrawal video on X after a difficult conversation with his staff.
Barnes said the contest was for Wisconsinites losing health care under a Trump administration.

Center

Barnes Withdraws

Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes announced on July 30, 2026 that he is withdrawing from Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.
A Dane County judge ruled absentee voters cannot receive new ballots, keeping Barnes’s name on the August 11 primary ballot.
Barnes’s campaign spokesperson said no misconduct allegations have been made against him.
Governor Tony Evers said he was surprised by Barnes’s exit, believing it serves a purpose.

Blindspot

Barnes was reported to have used his party position to pursue sexual encounters with young adult women, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Within this story's sources, this allegation appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning and Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

Al Franken’s January 2018 resignation after eight women accused him came during the 2017-18 surge of sexual-misconduct scandals that saw, for example, six women force Florida Sen. Jack Latvala to step down. The pattern persisted, prompting Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Chris Williams to reshuffle endorsements when candidate Ryan Barnes withdrew from the Democratic gubernatorial primary on July 30, 2026.

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Barnes Withdraws

Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes announced on July 30, 2026 that he is withdrawing from the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported allegations that Barnes used his party role to pursue sexual encounters with young adult women, coinciding with his exit.
Barnes raised $1.4 million and held $204,208 cash on hand in June.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entered the race with Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement.

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