Democrat Mandela Barnes drops out of the Wisconsin governor’s race

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said Thursday that he is dropping out of the Democratic race for governor in Wisconsin.

“Last night I had a very difficult conversation with staff,” Barnes said in a video posted to X. “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.”

That statement is a clear nod to state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, who has expanded her polling lead ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.

A Marquette University Law School released Wednesday showed Hong with the support of 38% of Democratic primary voters in the state, followed by Barnes with 16% support.

His exit is the latest major development to rock what has been a volatile open Democratic primary.