Can Mandela Barnes Win?

My Interview with Wisconsin's Next Governor (Maybe) Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. In this episode, I sit down with Barnes for a no-BS conversation about what happened in 2022, what he learned from losing, and why he thinks he can win this time. We tackle the controversies head-on: the crime attacks, accusations about "defunding the police," and how he plans to message differently in a Governor's race. As an OB-GYN who's fought for reproductive rights in Wisconsin, I push Barnes on healthcare access, reproductive freedom, and whether he'll actually fight for patients. We also discuss his vision for education, working families, and climate change. This isn't a puff piece. I ask the tough questions because Wisconsin can't afford to get this Governor's race wrong. Barnes shares his working-class Milwaukee roots, reflects on his time as Lieutenant Governor, and lays out what's at stake in this election. Listen to the full interview and decide for yourself whether Mandela Barnes is the right choice for Wisconsin. Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Listen HERE State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE Guest: Mandela Barnes