Nelson drops from Senate race, backs Mandela Barnes
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Tom Nelson, a candidate who tried to position himself as the most progressive in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate, says he’s dropped out of the contest to face Republican incumbent Ron Johnson in November.
The Outagamie County executive ended his campaign Monday and threw his support to Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who is in a tight race with Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry.
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski is polling further behind. Nelson was in fourth place.
Nelson announced his decision in a tweet. It ends a campaign he launched in October 2020.
Today I am suspending my campaign for the U.S. Senate. I am so thankful for the work that we have done and the movement we have built.
— Tom Nelson (@NelsonforWI) July 25, 2022
On August 9th, Wisconsin will choose a progressive champion to be our nominee. Let’s go @TheOtherMandela! pic.twitter.com/K6YdF8TDag
His name will still appear on the ballots Aug. 9 because they have already been printed.
Sen. Johnson is seeking a third term.