During his first week as a candidate for Governor, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes made a clear call to redraw Wisconsin’s congressional maps so they finally reflect the will of the people.
Lt. Governor Barnes’ proposal came during his statewide “Wisconsin Way” tour, where he is meeting with voters and discussing affordability and how he will make a difference for Wisconsin families as Governor.
As Governor, Mandela Barnes will do everything in his power to fight for fair maps and ensure the voices of Wisconsinites are heard in every community across the state.
See coverage below:
[Isabella Murray, 12/9/25]
“Leading with a bold vision,” Wisconsin Democrat Mandela Barnes told ABC News when asked what makes him distinct as a candidate. “Not waiting for Republicans to define us and being on the forefront of change for people across the entire country.”
Barnes is also bullish on his support for redistricting in the state, something his predecessor, Tony Evers, has said he wouldn’t touch. When asked by ABC News, he was open to redrawing maps in Wisconsin. Barnes said that “open is an understatement,” calling for the map to be redrawn so that Democrats pick up two seats.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: Mandela Barnes signals support for redrawing Wisconsin congressional maps
[Molly Beck and Laura Schulte, 12/3/25]
Democratic candidate for governor Mandela Barnes is signaling support for redrawing congressional boundaries in Wisconsin, an effort that could result in more Democratic-leaning districts.
Barnes made his comments at a campaign stop at an indoor playground cafe in Wauwatosa, a day after launching a campaign for governor.
“Well, Wisconsin’s congressional delegation is six to two. Wisconsin is effectively a 50-50 state,” Barnes said when asked whether Wisconsin officials should redraw the state’s congressional districts.
“There is a political imbalance, and that political imbalance has been brought to us by Republicans in the Legislature that would rather further the interest of their political party than respond to the needs of people across the state.”
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: Dem leader Greta Neubauer backs redrawing Wisconsin congressional maps
[Jessie Opoien, 12/5/25]
Neubauer’s comments came the day after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, a Democratic candidate for governor, similarly signaled his support.
“I think that the current congressional maps are gerrymandered. Everyone knows that Wisconsin’s a purple state. It should be about 50-50. We’ve got six Republican congresspeople and two Democratic congresspeople,” Neubauer told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an end-of-year interview covering a variety of topics. “So I think that these maps are not fair, and I do hope that they will consider whether new maps should be drawn.”
