Mandela Barnes secures Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, will face Sen. Ron Johnson this fall
MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Democrat Mandela Barnes has become Wisconsin's first Black party nominee for U.S. Senate after winning his primary, setting up one of the most hotly contested U.S. Senate races in the nation.
On Tuesday, Barnes won overwhelmingly, after three of his top primary challengers suddenly dropped out of the race weeks ago and endorsed him.
Crowd erupts in cheers as we first learn Mandela Barnes is the winner and will take on Republican US Senator Ron Johnson in the November election Watch @cbs58pic.twitter.com/r5RParXRdb
— Michele Fiore (@michelehana) August 10, 2022
Here’s the reaction from Barnes’ supporters when the projection of his victory by the AP was put up on the big screen. pic.twitter.com/nckc34Mgdy
— Victor Jacobo (@victorjacobo_) August 10, 2022
Barnes will now go head to head with Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in the general election.
Lt. Governor Barnes will face a two-term incumbent who has strong ties to the Republican Party and has an edge in fundraising.
The U.S. Senate race is one of the most-watched, most expensive across the country as it could determine which party controls the Senate chamber.
Barnes has largely campaigned on rebuilding the middle class, defending democracy as Republicans seek to overhaul elections, and maintaining abortion rights.
Johnson has focused on tackling inflation, stronger policies at the southern border, and crime -- all issues Johnson blames Democrats for since taking hold of the White House and Congress.
The general election will be held on Nov. 8.