Milwaukee rep loses seat in Dem primary

Mandela Barnes' victory gives him Jason Fields' seat outright

MADISON, Wis. — State Rep. Jason Fields of Milwaukee has lost his seat in Democratic primary.

With 26 of 33 precincts reporting, unofficial returns from Tuesday’s election showed challenger Mandela Barnes with 69 percent of the vote and Fields with 31 percent.

Fields had held the 11th Assembly District seat since 2004. He lost his temper during a floor debate last year, complaining both Republicans and Democrats don’t understand the plight of public school students in Milwaukee. He threw his microphone down and brought the proceedings to a halt.

Barnes works as an organizer for an interfaith coalition that advocates for social justice. His primary victory gives him Fields’ seat outright. No Republicans have filed to run for it in November’s general elections.