Eric Hovde Challenges Incumbent Tammy Baldwin in Tight Wisconsin Senate Race

Eric Hovde, a Republican challenger and millionaire businessman, is in a tight contest against Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin for the Wisconsin Senate seat. This race is crucial as it is one of several key elections that could determine control of the Senate, with Republicans aiming to build a majority.

Hovde, 60, has significant financial resources, having invested millions of his own money into the campaign. He is the chairman and CEO of Utah-based Sunwest Bank and has a history of turning around troubled community banks. Hovde’s campaign has focused on issues such as immigration, economic policies, and securing the borders. He has also emphasized the need to stop “reckless spending” that he believes has fueled inflation and to implement pro-growth policies like deregulation.

Hovde’s campaign has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and he has crisscrossed the state on his “Time for Change Bus Tour” to connect with voters. Despite his local roots, being born and raised in Madison, Hovde has been portrayed by Democrats as an outsider due to his connections to California and his wealth. Baldwin’s campaign has highlighted Hovde’s controversial comments, including a suggestion that people in nursing homes lack the capacity to vote.

The race has become personal, with Republicans raising questions about Baldwin’s long-term partner and business ties, and Democrats accusing the GOP of targeting Baldwin’s sexuality. Hovde has also faced criticism for his stance on abortion, having supported the Supreme Court’s overturning of *Roe v. Wade* but stating he would not vote for a federal law banning abortion, leaving the decision to the states.

The contest is highly competitive, with the Cook Political Report rating the race as a toss-up heading into Election Day. The outcome could be influenced by the large number of absentee ballots, which Wisconsin law prohibits from being counted before Election Day, potentially leading to delays in vote counting.