MADISON — Today, a coalition of Wisconsin law enforcement officers from across the state endorsed Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Senate. Wisconsin law enforcement officers know that they can trust Mandela to support them and provide resources to ensure they can keep communities safe.

The coalition of law enforcement includes:

  • Darlene Jenkins Ray, Retired Captain (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Greg Thompson, Retired Police Officer (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Paul Piotrowski, Retired Police Sergeant (Stevens Point, WI)
  • Gloria Reyes, Former Police Officer (Madison, WI)
  • Eddie Albritton, Retired Police Officer (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Malik Frazier, Deputy Sheriff (Racine, WI)
  • John Siegel, Police Captain (La Crosse, WI)
  • Steven Madsen, Retired Police Officer (Racine, WI)
  • Connie Cobb Madsen, Retired Police Officer (Racine, WI)
     

“I am endorsing Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes because he knows what Wisconsin needs to become a safer place for all,” said Darlene Jenkins Ray.“He grew up here, has seen firsthand the support our communities and officers need, and is ready to step up for all of us.”

“I’m proud to endorse Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Senate as he’s spent his entire career dedicated to bettering the lives of Wisconsinites,” said Greg Thompson.“I trust that he will continue to work with law enforcement officers to not only support us but support our communities as well.”

“I’m proud to endorse Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes for Senate given his commitment to reducing crime rates,” said Paul Piotrowski.“He wants to ensure we have the resources we need to do our job while also going to the root of the issue, to help stop crime before it has a chance to start.”

“Lt. Gov Mandela Barnes is dedicated to providing law enforcement the resources they need to successfully keep Wisconsin safe and understands the importance of bringing in our communities to help,” said Gloria Reyes. “I know our officers and communities will have the support needed with Lt. Gov Barnes as our next Senator.”

“Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes knows that in order to bring Wisconsin’s crime rates down, it takes supporting our law enforcement while also investing in struggling communities,” said Greg Thompson. “That’s why I’m proud to endorse Mandela — he’s going to make sure Wisconsin has the resources to be the safest place it can be.”

Lt. Governor Barnes Has Worked to Keep Wisconsin Communities Safe 

The Evers-Barnes Administration Boosted Funding For Law Enforcement 

  • The Evers-Barnes Administration Invested Additional $45 Million On Violence Prevention Efforts In Wisconsin, Including $10.4 Million For A Competitive Grant Process To Support Violence Prevention Projects Statewide. [News 8000, 10/13/21]
  • The Evers-Barnes Administration Used $50 Million In American Rescue Plan Funding To Support Police, Sheriff’s Offices And Criminal Justice Initiatives. [WBAY, 3/15/22]

Lt. Governor Barnes Has Prioritized Public Safety Throughout His Career

  • Barnes Is Committed To Continuing Investment In Struggling Communities And Giving Law Enforcement Officers The Resources They Need To Prevent Crime Before It Happens. [Mandela Barnes Public Safety Proposal, 3/26/22]
  • Barnes Called For More Funding For Law Enforcement Officers So That They “Have The Resources They Need To Keep Us Safe,” And Called For More Investments In Crime Prevention. [WUWM, 7/18/22]
  • In the Assembly, Barnes Frequently Called for Gun Violence Prevention 
    • 2013: Barnes Released A Statement Regarding Gun Violence In Milwaukee, Saying, “As Elected Officials, We Have An Obligation To Our Constituency To Take The Necessary Actions To Ensure The Public Safety.” [Milwaukee Courier, 8/10/13]
  • 2014: Barnes Joined Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Police Chief Edward Flynn As He Gave A Speech Addressing A Spate Of Shootings In Milwaukee. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/10/14]
  • 2022: Barnes Praised The U.S. House Agreement On Police Funding And Safety Bills, Saying, “We Must Ensure Our Police Officers Have The Resources And Accountability They Need To Keep Wisconsin Safe.” [Mandela Barnes, Press Release, 7/29/22]
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