MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has joined the crowded Democratic field for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson.
The 34-year-old Barnes is vying to become the first Black U.S. senator in Wisconsin history. He is giving up a chance to run for a second term in 2022 as Gov. Tony Evers’ running mate.
I’m Mandela Barnes and I’m running to be Wisconsin’s next Senator.
Hard-working families deserve every opportunity, but politicians like Senator Ron Johnson aren’t delivering. Instead of changing our dreams, we need to change the game. Join us. pic.twitter.com/XzVS3WHqQf
— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) July 20, 2021
Instead, Barnes on Tuesday became the seventh Democrat to enter the race, with an eighth expected to get in soon.
Barnes was launching his campaign with an event in his hometown of Milwaukee. Johnson has not said yet whether he will seek a third term.
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