BREAKING: Democrat Mandela Barnes drops out of Wisconsin gov race as socialist Francesca Hong pulls ahead

“Last night I had a very difficult conversation with staff,” Barnes said in a video posted to X. “We’re incredibly proud of all the things that we’ve accomplished and all the resources that we have raised to spread our message. But it’s become very clear who our nominee is going to be.”

https://twitter.com/TheOtherMandela/status/2082894497839468849

The message was a nod to Hong, who has expanded her lead in polling ahead of the primary to take place on August 11. A recent poll released on Wednesday showed Hong with 38 percent support in the primary, with Barnes being in second with 16 percent support.

The primary winner will likely take on Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has been an incumbent congressman and faces little opposition. Mandela dropping out is the latest development in a volatile open primary for the Democrats as current Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is not running for re-election, but has endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Hong, like other self-declared democratic socialists around the country, have been experiencing a surge of support in Democrat primaries. Hong has called for universal childcare, paid leave for all, a $20 minimum wage, and says that sex change surgery is "medically necessary" on her campaign website.

She has previously called for abolishing the Senate, despite a recent denial of the policy position.

https://twitter.com/TomTiffanyWI/status/2082076063849398518?s=20

Hong has been endorsed by Rep. Ilhan Omar and former co-chair of Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign Nina Turner.