Table of Contents
- The 2022 Senate Loss That Still Stings
- Why the 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Race Matters
- Democratic Party’s Internal Tensions
- A National Pattern of Post-Loss Comebacks?
- What’s Next for Mandela Barnes?
- Sources
The 2022 Senate Loss That Still Stings
Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin’s former lieutenant governor, is preparing for a political comeback—but not everyone in his own party is cheering. After narrowly losing the 2022 U.S. Senate race to Republican Ron Johnson, Barnes is now eyeing the 2026 Wisconsin governor’s seat, left open by term-limited Democrat Tony Evers.
Despite high expectations and strong national backing, Barnes’ 2022 campaign fell short in what many Democrats viewed as a winnable race against a deeply unpopular incumbent. The loss left a lingering sense of frustration within party ranks—especially as Wisconsin remains a critical swing state in national elections.
Why the 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Race Matters
With Governor Tony Evers stepping down after two terms, the 2026 race is wide open—and highly consequential. Control of Wisconsin’s executive branch could shape everything from abortion access to voting rights and economic policy in a state that often decides national outcomes.
Barnes would enter the race as a well-known figure with a progressive track record and national fundraising appeal. But his previous loss has made some Democrats wary of handing him another top-of-ticket role without serious competition.
Democratic Party’s Internal Tensions
“Mandela would be the front-runner the moment he got into a campaign for the Democratic nomination,” said Joe Zepecki, a Wisconsin Democratic strategist unaffiliated with Barnes’ camp. “But I do not anticipate any scenario where you would see a repeat of 2022 where the other candidates bow out.”
That sentiment reflects a broader shift in the Democratic Party: after a series of high-profile losses in winnable races, activists and donors are demanding fresh faces and new strategies—especially in battleground states like Wisconsin.
A National Pattern of Post-Loss Comebacks?
Wisconsin isn’t alone. Across the country, Democrats who lost tough races are facing internal resistance when attempting political comebacks:
- In Maine, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s endorsement of Governor Janet Mills over energetic newcomer Graham Platner sparked backlash.
- In Texas, state Rep. James Talarico is challenging former Rep. Colin Allred, who lost a 2024 Senate bid.
- In Michigan, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow is running as an outsider against Rep. Haley Stevens and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Even at the national level, speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris potentially running in 2028 has triggered similar unease—highlighting a party-wide reckoning over leadership and electability.
What’s Next for Mandela Barnes?
Barnes has not yet officially declared his 2026 candidacy, but sources close to him suggest a formal announcement could come early next year. His team is reportedly focused on rebuilding trust with local Democratic organizations and addressing critiques about campaign strategy from 2022.
Still, as David Axelrod, former adviser to President Barack Obama, noted: “It’s a fair guess that [Democrats] are going to be looking forward and not back.” Whether Barnes can convince his party that he represents the future—not just a rerun of the past—remains to be seen.
Sources
The New York Times: “This Democrat Lost a Big Race. The Party Is Uneasy About His Return.”
