The Senate race in Wisconsin between Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde has emerged as one of the most pivotal contests in the 2024 election, with control of the Senate hanging in the balance.
Baldwin, a progressive who has spent over a decade representing Wisconsin in Congress, faces the challenge of defending her seat in a state that has increasingly leaned Republican in recent presidential elections.
Known for her focus on issues important to rural communities, Baldwin previously managed to appeal to Trump-supporting counties in Wisconsin, which may be key to her strategy in this tight race.
Hovde, a businessman and chairman of Sunwest Bank, is aiming to appeal to conservative voters with a campaign focused on issues like immigration and reducing government spending. His wealth and willingness to self-fund parts of his campaign have given him a significant financial advantage, allowing him to compete vigorously in the battleground state. However, his out-of-state connections, including ties to California, have become a focal point of criticism from Democrats, who argue that he is disconnected from the interests of everyday Wisconsinites.
The campaign has been marked by heated exchanges and personal attacks, especially in the race’s final weeks. Republicans have attempted to undermine Baldwin’s credibility by raising questions about her partner’s financial background, even dubbing her the “third senator from New York” in campaign ads.
Democrats have denounced these attacks, accusing Republicans of exploiting Baldwin’s status as the first openly LGBTQ senator. For her part, Baldwin has painted Hovde as a wealthy outsider who lacks understanding of the state’s working-class challenges.
With Cook Political Report rating the race as a toss-up, Wisconsin’s Senate seat remains one of the most fiercely contested in this cycle, as both parties seek a majority in the Senate.
Baldwin’s ability to hold onto her seat will likely hinge on her support among independents and rural voters, while Hovde hopes to build on the state’s recent rightward trend. As Election Day approaches, this closely watched race underscores the intensity of the 2024 midterms, particularly in the blue wall states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.