Barnes released a launch video in which he pledged to make life more affordable for Wisconsin families

"The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin Way," Barnes said in the video. "It isn't about left or right. It's not about who can yell the loudest. It's about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home."

Barnes served as Wisconsin's first Black lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023 under Gov. Tony Evers. He previously served in the state legislature, where he secured funding for Milwaukee violence-prevention programs and worked to reverse education cuts.

In 2022, Barnes ran for the U.S. Senate seat against Ron Johnson; he conceded after losing by 1 percentage point. 

Barnes announced a statewide "Wisconsin Way" tour with stops planned throughout the week in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay.

His campaign released endorsements from more than a dozen elected officials including Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich and La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey.

Currently, the Democratic field of candidates alongside Barnes includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison), State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), former Secretary of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Missy Hughes, American Family Field beer vendor Ryan Strnad, former State Rep. Brett Hulsey and 22-year-old college student Zachary Roper.

On the Republican side, Northwoods Congressman Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are running for the GOP nomination.