State Senator Chris Larson drops out of US Senate race, endorses Mandela Barnes

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- State Senator Chris Larson announced he will suspend his campaign for U.S. Senate and throw his support behind Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, another candidate aiming to defeat Republican Senator Ron Johnson.

The Milwaukee Democrat dropped out of the race and endorsed Barnes, who's also from Milwaukee.

NEW: State Senator @ChrisJLarson suspends U.S. Senate campaign, endorses Mandela Barnes. pic.twitter.com/rh6qEPSRYj

— Emilee Fannon (@Emilee_Fannon) August 3, 2021

"While I won’t be the candidate who takes on Ron Johnson next fall, I remain as committed as ever to assuring his defeat and electing Democrats who will fight for progressive values up and down the ballot in 2022," Larson said in a statement.

Larson added he has faith Barnes can defeat Ron Johnson to "deliver for working people in Wisconsin, and fight for bold progressive priorities like Medicare For All, a job-creating Green New Deal, and a wealth tax to make ultra-millionaires pay their fair share."

Johnson has not yet decided whether or not he will seek a third term.

Several Democrats remain in a crowded U.S. Senate race including, State Treasurer Sara Godlewski, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, Milwaukee Bucks Senior VP Alex Lasry, Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, Dr. Gillian Battio of Wausau, Milwaukee Alder Chanita Lewis, Milwaukee attorney Peter Peckarsky and Franklin software entrepreneur Adam Murphy.

Milwaukee Entrepreneur Steven Olikara is also interested but has only announced an exploratory committee.