On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk housing, Ridglan Farms and more with Democratic candidate for governor Mandela Barnes. He says his narrow loss to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, four years ago is a big reason voters should trust him to win now. “I went through that race and I came out much stronger," Barnes says. "And ultimately, coming out 1 (percentage) point short in 2022 is what has uniquely prepared me for this moment. I know exactly what I’m up against, and I know how we're going to get the job done." Barnes, Wisconsin's former lieutenant governor and a former state lawmaker, was considered the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for months. The race now seems wide open, following Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley's return with Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement. State Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, also polled ahead of Barnes in early voter surveys.
July 21st, 2026, 02:48 am
Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands
Mandela Barnes knows 'exactly what I’m up against'
00:00
29m
Published July 21st, 2026, 02:48 am
Description
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk housing, Ridglan Farms and more with Democratic candidate for governor Mandela Barnes. He says his narrow loss to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, four years ago is a big reason voters should trust him to win now. “I went through that race and I came out much stronger," Barnes says. "And ultimately, coming out 1 (percentage) point short in 2022 is what has uniquely prepared me for this moment. I know exactly what I’m up against, and I know how we're going to get the job done." Barnes, Wisconsin's former lieutenant governor and a former state lawmaker, was considered the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for months. The race now seems wide open, following Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley's return with Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement. State Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, also polled ahead of Barnes in early voter surveys.
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Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands
They're the "Click and Clack" of Wisconsin politics. Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and Phil Hands, the newspaper's political cartoonist, analyze the most important issues and debates from the Badger State with political independence and a sense of humor. Instead of tedious talking points from the left and the right, "Center Stage" broadcasts from the sensible center with audio clips from the Wisconsin Capitol, from State Journal editorial board meetings, and from political events across the state.
