Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes abruptly ended his campaign for governor Thursday, delivering an unexpected boost to state Representative Francesca Hong, a dues-paying member of the Democratic Socialists of America who now stands as the clear frontrunner in the state’s Democratic primary.
Barnes announced his decision in a social media video posted minutes after Politico reported that Wisconsin Democratic officials were bracing for negative media coverage involving the former lieutenant governor. In the video, Barnes acknowledged the timing without addressing the reported story directly.
“Last night I had a very difficult conversation with staff,” Barnes said. “We’re incredibly proud of all the things that we’ve accomplished and all the resources that we have raised to spread our message. But it’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.”
A Democratic Socialist Ascends
The development leaves Hong, a 37-year-old state representative often compared to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as the dominant figure in a primary race that Republicans view as a potential opportunity to reclaim the governor’s mansion in the battleground state.
Hong has run on an unapologetically progressive platform that includes abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, imposing a one-year moratorium on data centers, and creating government-owned grocery stores. Her policy proposals also encompass expanding government-funded childcare and paid family leave, establishing a 32-hour workweek without reducing pay, and legalizing marijuana to fund high-speed broadband expansion.
Additional planks in Hong’s platform include creating a state-run development bank, restoring voting rights to felons, and dramatically reducing the role of prisons and police in Wisconsin communities, according to The Daily Wire’s previous reporting.
Establishment Democrats Express Concern
Hong’s rise has generated anxiety among some establishment Democrats who fear that nominating a Democratic socialist in a state that President Donald Trump carried could strengthen Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany’s position in the general election.
Recent polling shows Hong maintaining a double-digit lead over established Democratic candidates, including Barnes and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Crowley briefly suspended his own campaign before relaunching it two weeks later with the endorsement of outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
When asked about Barnes’ surprise exit Thursday, Evers indicated he had only just learned of the decision. “I heard it about 30 seconds ago. Yeah, surprised,” he told a local reporter before reiterating his support for Crowley. “He’s the best candidate running, even if Mandela was in.”
National Implications for Democratic Socialists
The Wisconsin Democratic primary, scheduled for August 11, is expected to serve as a critical test of Democratic socialist candidates’ viability in the industrial Midwest. The race follows recent victories by DSA-aligned candidates in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Denver, raising questions about whether the movement can expand its foothold beyond heavily Democratic urban areas.
Republican political consultant Ryan Girdusky responded to Barnes’ withdrawal by suggesting the party establishment was attempting to prevent Hong’s nomination. “Woah…. They’re really trying to wrestle this away from Francesca Hong,” he posted online.
Prediction markets currently show overwhelming odds favoring Hong to win the primary. The contest will determine which Democrat faces Tiffany in November’s general election for Wisconsin’s governorship.
Wisconsin has emerged as one of the most closely contested states in recent presidential elections, with narrow margins deciding outcomes in both 2016 and 2020. The governor’s race is expected to draw national attention and significant campaign spending from both parties as they battle for control of state government in a key battleground.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/a-surprise-exit-leaves-wisconsin-democrats-with-a-dsa-frontrunner