A Wisconsin Democratic primary that has already been marked by turmoil took another unexpected turn Thursday after former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes officially ended his campaign for governor, leaving the party facing even more uncertainty as Election Day approaches.
Barnes’ departure comes at a pivotal moment for Wisconsin Democrats, who are watching their field rapidly shrink while progressive state Representative Francesca Hong continues to build momentum. His decision also arrives amid reports that Democratic insiders were preparing for potentially damaging news expected to emerge later in the day, adding another layer of intrigue to an already volatile race.
In a video posted to social media, Barnes confirmed that he was stepping aside after consulting with advisers about the future of his campaign.
