Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes continued his Wisconsin Way tour with a health care roundtable conversation in Wausau. Speaking with Marathon County Democrats, health care providers, and community members, Lt. Governor Barnes renewed his calls for expanding BadgerCare on Day One as Governor.
The Wausau event marks Barnes fifth straight campaign event in Tom Tiffany’s district in less than a week following stops in Stanley, Cadott, Superior, and Ashland.
Throughout the swing, Mandela Barnes has slammed Tom Tiffany for his vote to rip away Affordable Care Act tax credits from Wisconsin families and increase health care costs.
In stark contrast, Mandela Barnes has vowed to lower health care costs on Day One as Governor by expanding BadgerCare, and promises to veto any state budget which does not include BadgerCare expansion.
Read more below:
WAOW (ABC 9 Wausau): Mandela Barnes promises to expand BadgerCare during visit to Wausau
[Kyle Pozorski, 1/16/26]
Democrat Mandela Barnes is doubling down on his promise to expand BadgerCare in Wisconsin as part of his campaign for governor. The former lieutenant governor made this commitment at the end of a roundtable discussion in Wausau.
Barnes met with area Democrats to focus on health care issues. He highlighted a disconnect between people and the healthcare system and a lack of access in rural areas. “I’m sure you’re not going to find a whole bunch of republicans who are satisfied with the healthcare industry or the healthcare system,” Barnes said. “You’re going to find those folks who have gotten a surprise bill. You’re going to find those people who vote republican who have dealt with a medical bankruptcy and that’s a problem.”
Barnes reiterated that if elected, he will not sign any state budget that does not include BadgerCare expansion.
WSAU: Barnes Holds Listening Session in Wausau
[Mike Leischner, 1/15/26]
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Mandela Barnes held a listening session in Wausau on Thursday, focused on healthcare and the unrest in Minneapolis.
The former Lieutenant Governor said issues like healthcare shouldn’t be partisan. “Unfortunately, it’s been made partisan by Republicans in the Legislature and members of Congress. They have chosen time and time again to vote against the interests of their constituents.”
He says he doesn’t think you will find many Republicans who are satisfied with the current healthcare system, adding that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, can be hit with an unexpected medical bill. “You will find people who vote Republican who have dealt with a medical bankruptcy. That’s a problem.”
WXCO Bull Falls Radio: In conversation with Mandela Barnes – Civic Media
[Chad Holmes, 1/15/26]
Chad Holmes:
- What would you do to address the crisis in rural health care and hospital closures?
Mandela Barnes:
- It’s unacceptable that people in rural Wisconsin have to travel hours for basic or emergency care. One of my top priorities starting on day one is expanding BadgerCare.
- Hospitals and clinics aren’t closing because people don’t need care. They’re closing because too many people are uninsured or afraid of medical debt. Expanding BadgerCare would stabilize rural health systems and give people access to preventive care before emergencies happen.
- I will not sign a state budget that does not expand BadgerCare. I also support creating a public option so people who earn slightly too much to qualify still have affordable coverage.
- Health care access keeps communities alive. If people can’t afford care, hospitals close and rural Wisconsin suffers. […]
Mandela Barnes:
- We can’t govern with half-measures or pretend things are fine when they’re not. Wisconsin’s history, our farmers, our manufacturing legacy, our progressive leadership, shows what’s possible.
- I believe the next era of opportunity, manufacturing, and innovation can start here. And I’m committed to making sure Wisconsin is at the forefront of it.
