Mandela Barnes leaves the guv race after receiving questions from the Journal Sentinel about allegations from sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity who said Barnes used his role in the party to seek out sexual encounters with young adult women. Barnes has not been accused of any crimes.
Mandela Barnes withdrew from Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race after the…
Brief
Mandela Barnes exited the 2026 Wisconsin governor race following a Journal Sentinel report (July 30, 2026) by Molly Beck that cited anonymous sources alleging he used his party position to pursue sexual encounters with young adult women; the report notes Barnes faces no criminal accusations.
Why it matters
Mandela Barnes withdrew from Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race after the Journal Sentinel posed questions about allegations; the report was posted July 30, 2026 by reporter Molly Beck on X/Twitter.
Key details
- Anonymous sources told the Journal Sentinel that Barnes used his role in the party to seek sexual encounters with young adult women; Barnes has not been accused of any crimes.