MADISON, Wis. (Gray) - Democrat Mandela Barnes launched his highly anticipated bid for Wisconsin governor Tuesday morning.

“The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin way,” Barnes said in his campaign launch ad, adding that affordability and standing up to Trump are his top priorities.

Barnes was Wisconsin’s first Black lieutenant governor, and he previously served in the state Assembly. In 2022, he lost a highly watched U.S. Senate race to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson by 1% of the vote.

Barnes is joining a crowded primary field with seven other Democrats in the race. The candidates will face off in next year’s August primary ahead of the November general election.

This week, Barnes will make stops in Madison, Milwaukee, and Gr

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