Frustrated by a lack of action from lawmakers on the issues affecting working people and the middle class, Mandela Barnes decided to run for office at the age of 27. He became a Wisconsin State Representative and, at 31, became Wisconsin’s first Black Lt. Governor — and only the second Black elected official statewide. In the legislature, Barnes was a champion for the environment, economy, education, racial justice, and health care. He became the chair of the legislature’s Black and Latino Caucus in his first term and a leader on gun violence prevention.