Tom Nelson Ends Race For U.S. Senate, Endorses Mandela Barnes

WISCONSIN — Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson on Monday announced he is dropping out of the Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate and endorsed Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, calling him a "strong nominee."

Nelson was running for the Democratic nomination in a crowded field. Those remaining include Barnes, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Steven Olikara. His campaign's suspension comes just weeks after a debate in Milwaukee on July 17 where much of the focus was on defeating Johnson.

Wisconsinites will choose which candidate moves forward to face off against Johnson on Aug. 9 in the primary. The fall election will later decide if Johnson remains in the U.S. Senate or if a Democrat ousts him.

In a statement posted to Twitter, Nelson said his campaign ran out of money and called Barnes "the one candidate who is not trying to buy this election."

In response, Barnes said on Twitter he deeply respected Nelson's commitment to Wisconsin and was thankful for the endorsement.