Mandela Barnes — a former state representative and the Lieutenant Governor during Governor Evers’ first term (2019–2023), and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 — has officially entered the 2026 race for governor. It had been speculated for months that Barnes would join the race.

Barnes joins a crowded Democratic field vying to succeed Tony Evers, who announced he will not seek a third term. The field includes several current and former legislators and statewide officeholders such as Sara Rodriguez (Current Lt. Gov.), David Crowley (Milwaukee County Executive), Kelda Roys (State Senator), Francesca Hong (State Representative), Missy Hughes (former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO), and Brett Hulsey (former state representative).