MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, considered a frontrunner in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, said affordability is his top priority.

Barnes, who lost his 2022 U.S. Senate bid to Ron Johnson by one point, spoke with reporters this week after hosting a roundtable discussion with childcare providers, where he called for universal childcare.

The following is an edited transcript of the conversation between Barnes and Wisconsin State Capitol Bureau Chief Vanessa Kjeldsen. It has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Vanessa Kjeldsen: Why do you want to be governor?

Mandela Barnes: I’m running for governor because things are incredibly difficult for people in Wisconsin. We’re in a crisis moment. The moment couldn’t call for more urgent leadership, no

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