In a surprise move, state Rep. Mandela Barnes, D-Milwaukee, announced Monday he would seek the state Senate seat presently held by state Sen. Lena Taylor.
Barnes said the people of the 4th Senate District “deserve new leadership they can trust” in his decision to challenge Taylor, who has represented that area since 2003.
"Now more than ever, we need fresh, transformational leadership with a vision to not only address our serious challenges, but also unlock our untapped potential," Barnes said in a statement announcing his campaign. "As state senator, I will fight for a vision that ensures the best public education for our children, curbs the tragic and senseless epidemic of gun violence, and builds ladders of opportunity for our neighbors to thrive and succeed in life."
Taylor defended her record in a statement and said she will seek re-election.
“In my 13 years of service, I have authored and passed more than one hundred laws," Taylor said in a statement. "With a proven track record of accomplishments and experience, I look forward to my run for re-election."
Taylor has been an oft-controversial figure in the Legislature. In 2011, she compared Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed law on restricting the collective bargaining rights of public-sector unions to a plan initiated by Adolf Hitler to eliminate unions.
She has also clashed with members of her own party, including state Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, on the last day of Senate session last month. In a public argument, Taylor alleges Larson made “offensive comments,” while Larson countered Taylor began yelling at him before he entered the floor.
The primary will be held Aug. 9.
