One of the most competitive races of the fall will be between Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and the Democratic lieutenant governor.
NBC News projected that Johnson won the republican primary. Barnes' path to the nomination was clear after his top Democratic opponents dropped out, according to NBC.
Democrats are focused on Johnson's seat as they try to hold onto their majority. Only one Republican senator is running for reelection in a state that President Joe Biden won in 2020. There are multiple polls showing Johnson's approval ratings underwater.
Democrats have accused Johnson of spreading harmful conspiracy theories about the coronaviruses and the integrity of the 2020 election.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spent money on ads accusing Johnson of working to benefit himself and wealthy donors at the expense of ordinary voters.
Barnes would become the youngest member of the Senate if he wins the election. He has been endorsed by a number of politicians.
Barnes is too far left for the purple state of Wisconsin, which Trump carried in 2016 and only narrowly lost in 2020, according to Johnson's campaign.
After college, Barnes was a community activist and later served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He doesn't shy away from progressive social issues, for instance, his TikTok account features posts of him calling for the Senate to end the filibuster and codify the rights of the unborn.
Barnes highlighted his middle-class upbringing in Milwaukee and contrasted it with Johnson's status as one of the richest senators.
As the candidates get closer to the general election, more money is expected to come in. Barnes had raised $7 million by July 20, but Johnson had raised more than $17 million by that time.
Forbes reported that both sides of the race are pouring money into Wisconsin.
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