Mandela Barnes hasn't launched a campaign for governor yet but is getting pushback from some in his own party to the idea.
State Treasurer John Leiber, the only Republican holding constitutional office, is seeking reelection. No Democrats have announced runs.
Mandela Barnes, the former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, lost a race for Senate in 2022. He is likely to run for governor in 2026, while Democrats are eager for new candidates and new ideas.