Mandela Barnes (D) suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin on July 30, 2026.

Barnes was the fourth Democrat of the seven appearing on the ballot to suspend his campaign, following Missy Hughes (D) on June 22, David Crowley (D) on July 8, and Sara Rodriguez (D) on July 17. Crowley un-suspended his campaign after Rodriguez left the race.

Joel Brennan (D), Crowley, Francesca Hong (D), and Kelda Roys (D) are the four candidates with active campaigns as of July 30, 2026. Less than two weeks remain until the August 11 primary.

Brennan is a former secretary of the Department of Administration under incumbent Gov. Tony Evers (D). Brennan's campaign website says, "He's not running because it's his turn; he's running because he knows how to do the job, and because, for the first time in 16 years, Wisconsin has a real shot at a Democratic majority in the legislature and a chance to deliver real change for every Badger State family."

Crowley was elected Milwaukee County Executive in 2020 and served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 2017 to 2020. Crowley's campaign website said, "To win, the democratic nominee must do three things: boost turnout in Milwaukee, grow margins in the suburbs, and hold the line in rural communities. David is the only candidate who can do all three with the results to prove it."

Hong was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2020. She works as a chef and community organizer. In a campaign ad, Hong said, "We can fully fund our public schools and have universal childcare. We can guarantee paid leave and have cheaper health care. We can fix a rigged system that puts oligarchs over workers and small businesses."

Roys has represented the 26th District in the Wisconsin Senate since 2021. She served in the Wisconsin Assembly between 2009 and 2013. Roys' campaign website says she is "a proven Democratic leader who gets things done for Wisconsin families. A state senator, small business owner, attorney, and mom and stepmom of 5, Kelda is relentlessly focused on building a Wisconsin where everyone has the freedom to thrive."

The winner will face Tom Tiffany (R) in the general election. Major election forecasters rate the general election Toss-up. The last Republican to win election as governor of Wisconsin was Scott Walker (R) in 2014.