The Math Ain’t Mathing…
Statement from Mandela Barnes Campaign Manager Darby O’Connor:
“It’s never been more clear that Sara Rodriguez isn’t ready to serve Wisconsin as our top executive.
“Sara Rodriguez only noticed hundreds of thousands of dollars missing when she didn’t see her face on TV. This level of gross mismanagement of finances and staff is unheard of in professional politics.
“Sara Rodriguez didn’t come forward out of transparency. Like her state budget pledge, she prefers to manage her campaign’s finances behind closed doors. She only came forward because her mismanagement and dishonesty was scheduled to become public at 11:59pm on Wednesday.
“She has repeatedly lied about raising millions to try to display false strength despite consistently polling in third—even in her own internals.
“A campaign this poorly mismanaged stands no chance against Tom Tiffany this fall.”
QUESTIONS SARA RODRIGUEZ STILL NEEDS TO ANSWER:
- Do you expect the report you file on Wednesday will be completely accurate?
- How do you intend to compensate donors whose funds were misappropriated? Will you be refunding those who were misled about the viability of your campaign?
- Does your $200k in cash on hand include outstanding debts and expenses owed by to the campaign? How much do you owe in expenses?
- Will you be reporting this incident to law enforcement? Do you believe your campaign has committed fraud or broken any laws?
- Is your campaign manager receiving a severance package? Did she sign an NDA?
- Why did it take 6 months for you to find out about these errors? Did you not review your campaign finance report before it was filed?
- Despite only raising under $500k in January, your campaign touted over $5 million in commitments. We have yet to see this funding materialize. Why has your campaign consistently misled the press about your finances?
- When do you expect your prior campaign finance filings will be amended to be accurate?
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Mandela Barnes
“This Past Week Is Why People Want Nothing to Do With the Democratic Establishment”
Jul 19th, 2026 by Mandela BarnesMandela Barnes Speaks Out For First Time Since Party Insiders Put Thumb On Scale In Democratic Primary
Well you certainly are not ready! What have you done since leaving office! You did nothing when in office! I consider you an empty suit!
To some degree I agree with iamkms023 and their question about what has Mandela Barnes accomplished and where is his imprint since his failed election for U.S. Senate against Ron Johnson. A person would think these topics would be top of mind for campaign positions for this election. Maybe I am missing something here?
Additionally, though I hate the thought, it seems accurate that he would have a difficult election in a statewide race. The MAGA movement is a race based, evangelic, nationalistic movement that truly reduces the available votes for a black candidate for state office in Wisconsin.
Just a fact in our state, one that I wish were not so.