Milwaukee Mayor to Run for Gov. in Walker Recall Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has ended weeks of speculation and entered the race to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker, setting up a potential rematch of the 2010 gubernatorial election. Barrett announced his decision Friday. He announced just four days before he stands for re-election Tuesday as Milwaukee mayor. He faces little opposition in that race. Barrett's entrance into the recall race shakes up the Democratic field, which had been dominated by Kathleen Falk, the former longtime county executive who had obtained every major endorsement and the backing of unions representing teachers and public workers. Union leaders tried to talk Barrett out of running. A Democratic primary in the recall race will likely be May 8. The winner of the primary will face Walker on June 5.