Senator Ron Johnson is projected to win re-election, leaving Mandela Barnes defeated. This win has solidified a vital stepping-stone of the GOP’s path back to a senate majority. In addition, Johnson’s victory is likely to cause an outrage among Democrats in Wisconsin, who have repeatedly bashed Johnson for his far-right conservative views.
Shortly before the national media called it, Johnson called out “the corporate media” for not declaring his success sooner. There was no possible pathway for Barnes to overtake him, especially with the particular precincts that remained unreported. With 98.91% of the vote reported, Johnson had 50.5% of the vote compared to 49.5% for Mandela Barnes, a gap of approximately 27,000 votes.
Unfortunately, Barnes’ extreme and out-of-touch views on crime and safety have cost him his chance of becoming the Senator of Wisconsin.
In Barnes’ hometown of Milwaukee, murder has jumped around 128% since Evers and Barnes were elected. Nevertheless, the two still formulated a plan to cut the prison population by 50%. Gaining control of crime should be a top priority, as WI voters would agree. In addition, Barnes’ reckless statements, such as how police budgets are over-bloated when voters are deeply concerned about crime, may have contributed to his downfall in this race.
Barnes conceded the race on Wednesday after issuing a statement, “We didn’t get over the finish line this time. But I know this movement that has meant so much to all of us will keep going. I still believe that better is possible, and I am in this for Wisconsin.” Meanwhile, Barnes has scheduled a noon news conference in Milwaukee to address the Senate race.
Ron Johnson was initially elected in 2010 when he defeated Democratic incumbent Sen. Russ Feingold, who he beat once again in 2016. Johnson has built a reputation for addressing controversial topics while being brutally honest, which other politicians may want to avoid. Voters have rewarded his transparency for a total of three terms now, and Johnson is eager to continue serving Wisconsin after 12 years.
“Truth has prevailed over lies and the politics of personal destruction. I want to thank my family and everyone who supported me and worked so hard to save this U.S. Senate seat. I will do everything I can to help make things better for Wisconsinites and to heal and unify our country.” Johnson said in a statement.
Voters can relate to Ron Johnson and his vision of what Wisconsin should be.
