Gov. Tony Evers isn't endorsing any candidates in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers isn't endorsing his lieutenant governor — or anyone else — in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. 

Evers gave a simple "no" when asked Thursday at a WisPolitics.com luncheon if he had a favorite in the crowded primary to replace Republican Sen. Ron Johnson. 

"As the elected leader of the Democratic Party, that'd be wrong," Evers said. "I know a lot of those people. They're all good people. And so, we look forward to a robust primary and having somebody be actively campaigning to beat the present U.S. senator."

Among those running for Senate is Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who has served with Evers since they were both sworn in in January 2019.

Evers said in late 2020 he hoped Barnes would run for another term as lieutenant governor but that he would respect whatever decision he made. Barnes got in the Senate race seven months later.

"Mandela Barnes knows that as the leader of the party, Governor Evers cannot get involved in the primary," said a statement from Maddy McDaniel, a Barnes' campaign spokeswoman. "He looks forward to continuing their great relationship throughout the campaign and is committed to doing everything he can to support the Governor's re-election."

Among the others in the large Senate primary are state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will face Johnson in the Nov. 8 general election. 

Bill Glauber of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.