Republican Sen. Ron Johnson survives challenge from Democrat Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson defeats Democratic opponent Mandela Barnes, Fox News projects

The 'Outnumbered' panel reacted to Johnson's win and other key midterm races that have yet to be called.

The Fox News Decision Desk can now project that Republican Sen. Ron Johnson will defeat Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. Johnson has represented Wisconsin since 2011. With this win, he will serve a third term.

Johnson, one of the most vulnerable Senate incumbents up for re-election this cycle, was first elected to his seat in 2010 when he defeated then-Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat. 

Johnson has blasted his Democratic opponent for his stances on criminal justice reform that he says have contributed to a spike in crime in Wisconsin. 

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Sen. Ron Johnson, left, has blasted his challenger Mandela Barnes for his stances on criminal justice reform that he says have contributed to a spike in crime in Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Barnes served as a state lawmaker from 2013 to 2019 when he became the Badger State's first Black lieutenant governor.   

While Barnes has denied ever supporting the defund the police movement, Johnson claimed throughout the campaign that Barnes’ previous support of "reallocating" resources for law enforcement showed otherwise.

Barnes has focused much of his campaign on abortion, a major issue among Democratic voters in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.  

Johnson called Barnes' stance on abortion "extreme" for pledging in a recent debate to codify Roe v. Wade if elected, and accused him of wanting to allow abortion "up to the moment of birth."

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Johnson called Barnes' stance on abortion "extreme" for pledging in a recent debate to codify Roe v. Wade if elected. (Morry Gash/AP)

The Democratic lieutenant governor has also slammed Johnson for suggesting that Social Security and Medicare be included in non-mandatory spending approved by Congress, warning voters that these programs will be on the chopping block if Johnson is re-elected. 

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Early on in the campaign, Johnson’s seat was identified as a potential pickup opportunity for Democrats, and has been one of the most hotly contested races all cycle with polls showing a near-tie in the final weeks of the campaign.