, ,

Barnes To Challenge Taylor For Milwaukee Senate Seat

Announcement Sets Up Unusual Dem-On-Dem Legislative Race

By
SEIU Local 1 (CC-BY) / AFGE (CC-BY)

Milwaukee Democratic state Rep. Mandela Barnes has announced he’s running for the state Senate seat held by fellow Democrat Lena Taylor.

Barnes’ move sets up an extremely rare campaign between a sitting state representative and a state senator from his own party. Barnes said he wants to replace Taylor, in part, because of her support during Gov. Jim Doyle’s administration for a bill to let the state take over Milwaukee Public Schools. Barnes said he also disagrees with Taylor’s vote in favor of gun laws like concealed carry.

“The level of safety has been diminished in our streets,” Barnes said. “What leaders in Madison have told the general public is that it’s OK. And I don’t think it’s OK.”

Stay informed on the latest news

Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Taylor issued a statement noting her 13 years of experience in the Legislature.

“With a proven track record of accomplishments and experience, I look forward to my run for re-election,” Taylor said.

Barnes, 29, was first elected to the Assembly in 2012. Taylor, 49, was elected to the Assembly in 2003 and to the Senate in 2004.

Taylor’s Senate district is overwhelmingly Democratic, meaning the winner of this primary is all but assured to win the general election.