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Democrat Mandela Barnes is running for Wisconsin governor in 2026 after losing a close U.S. Senate race in 2022.

No Wisconsin politician has won a major statewide election for governor or U.S. Senate after a previous loss in more than 50 years.

An analysis of the last half-century shows nine politicians who attempted a comeback for a major office all failed.

Democrat Mandela Barnes is trying to do something no Wisconsin politician has done in a very long time: win major office after losing a big statewide election.

Barnes, the former lieutenant governor, announced Dec. 2 his bid for governor in 2026. Almost four years ago, he lost a close race to incumbent Republican Ron Johnson for U.S. Senate.

In short, Barnes is trying to follow a high-profile election loss w

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