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In Launch Video, Barnes Calls to Reject the Washington Way and Pledges to Stand Up to Trump and Make Life More Affordable the “Wisconsin Way”
Announces Statewide “Wisconsin Way” Tour to Discuss How High Costs Are Impacting Wisconsinites
Rolls Out Over a Dozen Endorsements From Elected Leaders in Every Corner of Wisconsin
Today, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes launched his campaign for Governor of Wisconsin. In a launch video, Lt. Governor Barnes promised to stand up to Trump’s chaos and make life more affordable for Wisconsinites:
“Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way: lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people. Under Trump, the name of the game has been distraction and chaos to avoid accountability… Here’s the reality check—the only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way, and get things done the Wisconsin Way. It isn’t about left or right, it isn’t about who can yell the loudest—it’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home. A state where you can afford your healthcare. Where your kids can learn a skill and stay close to home. Where a good day’s work can earn a good day’s pay. And where families can not only get by, but thrive.”
A former state legislator and Lieutenant Governor, Mandela Barnes will stand up to Trump to bring down costs and keep our communities safe. On day one as Governor, he’ll be ready with a bold vision to expand Badgercare and close tax loopholes for the ultra-rich so we can cut taxes for middle-class families.
Lt. Governor Barnes enters this race with deep executive experience. In 2018, Mandela helped Tony Evers kick Scott Walker out of office and, at 31, became Wisconsin’s first Black Lt. Governor. In office, he worked closely with Governor Evers to help Wisconsin families and businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time in the state legislature, he secured millions for Milwaukee violence-prevention programs and led the charge to reverse Scott Walker’s $600 million education cuts—victories ultimately signed into law by the Evers–Barnes administration.
Since 2022, Lt. Governor Barnes has been working in Wisconsin communities to lower costs for middle class families. As President of Power to the Polls Wisconsin, he led a team that knocked on over a million doors to engage infrequent voters and improve turnout, helping elect two Supreme Court justices. Barnes also founded Forward Together Wisconsin which has fought to lower families’ energy bills and improve air quality.
As part of his campaign launch, Lt. Governor Barnes will kick off his statewide Wisconsin Way tour, where he will meet with voters, listen to their concerns about rising costs and share his vision to make Wisconsin more affordable for families. This week, he will make stops in Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay.
Reflecting a candidacy that appeals to every corner of the state, Lt. Governor Barnes’ campaign is launching with a slate of endorsements including: Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich; La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey; Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond; Superior Mayor Jim Paine; former Fitchburg Mayor Frances Huntley-Cooper; State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner and State Representative Angelina Cruz; former State Representative Tod Ohnstad; former State Representative Sandy Pasch; Madison School Board Members Savion Castro and Ali Muldrow; Milwaukee School Board Members Erika Siemsen, Megan O’Halloran, and Marva Herndon; Milwaukee Alderwoman Maria Dimitrijevic; Dane County Board Members April Kigeya and Michele Doolan; Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell; Fitchburg City Councilmember Donald Dantzler; and Milwaukee County Board Member Willie Johnson.
Lt. Governor Barnes enters this primary in a position of strength and poised for victory this fall. Early polls show that he is in the strongest position in the primary and in the general election, beating both of the potential Republican nominees by a healthy margin.
Learn more about Mandela’s campaign at mandelabarnes.com.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Lt. Governor Barnes:
- This is my dad’s jacket. UAW, Local 1866.
- He wore it everywhere because being part of a union wasn’t just a job. It meant you looked out for each other. It meant you had each other’s backs.
- And back then, those were jobs that could afford you a home, support a family, and save for retirement.
- That’s not the case anymore. Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way. Lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people.
- Under Trump, the name of the game has been distraction and chaos to avoid accountability.
- It’s not about the real world. It’s a show. Outrage. Performances. Everybody trying to go viral.
- Meanwhile, families doing everything right are still falling behind.
- So here’s the reality check: The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington Way and get things done the Wisconsin Way.
- It isn’t about left or right. It’s not about who can yell the loudest.
- It’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home.
- A state where you can afford your health care. Where your kids can learn a skill and stay close to home. Where a good day’s work earns a good day’s pay.
- And where families can not only get by, but thrive.
- I’m Mandela Barnes. I’ve served Wisconsin in our legislature and as your Lieutenant Governor.
- I know how to bring people together. And I know how to get things done.
- I’m running for governor because this jacket wasn’t just something my dad wore.
- It was a promise: We show up. We look out for each other.
- Wisconsin, let’s get to work.
