Barnes latest to drop out of Wisconsin governor race

(The Center Square) – Mandela Barnes, former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, is the latest Democrat to drop out of the race on Thursday.

“Last night I had a very difficult conversation with my staff,” Barnes said in a social media video. “Now we’re incredibly proud of all that we have 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.”

Barnes was referring to a pair of polls including a Marquette Poll that showed the lead in the race is widening for state Rep. Francesca Hong of Madison. Hong held 38% support from Democratic primary voters in the newest Marquette poll, ahead of 16% for Barnes, 7% for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and 2% each for former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and state Sen. Kelda Roys.

Crowley recently reentered the race with Gov. Tony Evers’ endo...