Your options in the Democratic gubernatorial primary are shrinking by the week after former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped out of the race Thursday. The news came after the gap between him and front-runner State Rep. Francesca Hong grew to double-digit percentage points following a candidate debate in Milwaukee earlier this week.

"We're incredibly proud of all the things that we've accomplished and all the resources that we have raised to spread our message," Barnes said in a video posted on X. "But it's become very clear who our nominee is going to be."

According to the Marquette University Law School Poll, Hong has the support of 38% of likely Democratic primary voters statewide, while Barnes has 16% and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has 7% after he re-entered the race following the exit of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. State Sen. Kelda Roys and former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan also remain in the race.

The winner of the Democratic primary on Aug. 11 will face likely Republican nominee and current U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.