Overview
- A launch video centers on cost-of-living and pro-labor themes while criticizing President Donald Trump's 'distraction and chaos' and highlighting his father's UAW jacket.
- The campaign begins a 'Wisconsin Way' listening tour with initial stops in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay.
- Barnes joins a crowded Democratic primary for an open seat after Gov. Tony Evers declined to run, with the race rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.
- He touts early backing from local officials including Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Superior Mayor Jim Paine, and cites polls showing him leading.
- Despite early front-runner status built on statewide name recognition and organizing networks, some Democrats question his electability following his 1-point loss to Sen. Ron Johnson in 2022.