Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped his bid for governor on Thursday, scrambling the race to replace Gov. Tony Evers less than two weeks from the Democratic primary.
In a video posted to social media, Barnes said that it’s “very clear who our nominee is going to be.”
Though he didn’t name her, democratic socialist lawmaker Francesca Hong has led recent polls. Hong’s chief rival for the nomination is now Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Barnes called on Democrats to rally to defeat Republican US Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is all but certain to be the GOP nominee in the perpetual battleground state.
In the video, Barnes said he had a “very difficult conversation” with his staff Wednesday night.
