The 2023 Democratic Party of Denver Annual Dinner

Mandela Barnes served as Wisco​nsin’s 45th Lieutenant Governor from 2018 to 2023. He was the first African-American to hold the position in Wisconsin and just the second African-American to ever hold statewide office.

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Before that, at the age of 25, Mandela was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he served two terms. His tenure in the State Assembly included serving as Chair of the Legislature’s Black and Latino Caucus and becoming a recognized leader in progressive economic policies and gun violence prevention legislation.

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Following his tenure as Lt. Governor, Mandela launched The Long Run PAC to support diverse and groundbreaking pro-democracy candidates around the country who are helping to flip critical swing districts and bring more working-class voices to the table. These include young candidates, candidates of color, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates from working-class backgrounds who are breaking the mold of what leadership looks like.

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A staunch supporter of abortion rights, gun control, healthcare reform, and climate change, Barnes’ advocacy is critical during a time when Republican-controlled legislatures are gutting rights and reversing progress. We are honored to have him join us!