Former Wisconsin lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes has withdrawn from the Democratic primary for governor, further reshaping an already unsettled contest to succeed Governor Tony Evers. His departure matters because Barnes had been one of the best-known candidates, and it could strengthen the position of state representative Francesca Hong, who has led recent polling.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for 11 August, with early voting already under way. A Marquette Law School poll conducted from 8 to 16 July put Hong on 26%, Barnes on 15% and 45% of Democratic voters undecided; the race also includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Joel Brennan and state senator Kelda Roys. The eventual Democratic nominee will face Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in November.