Mandela Barnes

Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor, Climate Champion & Bridge-Builder

Mandela Barnes isn’t just a policymaker—he’s a trailblazer dedicated to advancing justice, equity, and clean energy solutions. Born and raised in Milwaukee in a proud union household, Mandela saw firsthand how good jobs and strong communities create opportunity. His father worked third shift at the GM factory, and his mother was a Milwaukee school teacher for 30 years—instilling in him the values of hard work and public service. Inspired by Barack Obama’s 2004 convention speech, he set out to fix the problems he saw in his community, beginning his career as a community organizer before being elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly at just 25.

In 2018, Mandela made history as Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor and only the second Black statewide elected official. In that role, he co-led Wisconsin’s pandemic recovery efforts and chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, bringing together farmers, Indigenous leaders, business executives, and environmental advocates to craft 55 concrete strategies for tackling the climate crisis. By embedding equity into climate action, he ensured that frontline communities—often the hardest hit by pollution and extreme weather—were at the center of the state’s response.

His leadership extends beyond Wisconsin. His historic U.S. Senate campaign—where he nearly unseated a two-term incumbent—demonstrated his ability to mobilize grassroots energy, reframe narratives, and compete in high-stakes electoral battlegrounds. Now, he’s leveraging that experience to drive bold climate solutions at the state level. Mandela understands how to turn ambitious clean energy visions into real policy wins, a critical skill as we push for equitable solar solutions across the country. His fundraising expertise as a statewide candidate also strengthens our ability to grow and thrive as an organization.

A recognized leader in the fight for justice and sustainability, Mandela has earned accolades like Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Wisconsin Faith Voices’ “Voice for Justice” award. His deep roots in community organizing, policy leadership, and coalition-building make him a powerhouse advocate for a clean energy future that prioritizes people over politics.