Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has dropped out of the Democratic primary for governor, ending his campaign in a race that had drawn attention across the state. Barnes announced the decision in a video posted on his Facebook page.
His exit came as news emerged that the Wisconsin Democratic Party had reviewed past allegations of inappropriate behavior. The available details in the initial reports were limited, but the development added a major complication to Barnes' bid for the nomination.
Barnes had been one of the better-known Democrats in the field because of his statewide profile as a former lieutenant governor. His departure now reshapes the primary contest and shifts attention to the remaining candidates.
Among them is Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, who has built strong backing from the party's liberal wing. With Barnes leaving the race, the dynamics of the Wisconsin Democratic governor primary are likely to change quickly as voters and party activists reassess the field.
