Hovde will win GOP nod to face Democratic Sen. Baldwin in critical Wisconsin race, CNN projects
Wisconsin Republicans will nominate businessman Eric Hovde to take on Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, CNN projects, in a contest seen as crucial to the battle for control of the narrowly divided Senate.
Wisconsin Republicans are expected to nominate businessman Eric Hovde to challenge Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin in a closely watched race that could have major implications for the Senate's control. Both Hovde and Baldwin are projected to win their respective primaries on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in a state that's also a key presidential battleground.
Recent polling suggests Baldwin has an edge in her bid for a third term. A New York Times/Sienna College poll from earlier this month found her leading Hovde 51% to 43% among registered voters.
Hovde acknowledged the surge in Democratic enthusiasm following Vice President Kamala Harris' ascension to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden stepped down, a shift that could potentially harm down-ballot Republicans. However, he believes this surge is temporary.
"I think everybody on the Democratic side was very depressed about realizing how bad Joe Biden was, from a mental capacity standpoint," Hovde said. "So, of course, you’re going to get that kind of bump. But look, I feel there’s enormous amount of energy on the Republican side."
Hovde also emphasized the state's purple status and the importance of independent voters. He predicts these voters, who he believes are struggling with the current economic climate, will vote for change.
"This state has always been a purple state," he said. "As we all know, every election is very close, but those people in the middle that decide this election – I think they’re struggling, and over half of America feels like they’re in a recession."
Baldwin, who skipped Biden's rally in Wisconsin but attended Harris' event in Milwaukee, also recognizes the state's significance.
"Wisconsin will likely decide who occupies the White House, and which party controls the United States Senate," she said. "No pressure."
Despite the general election matchup appearing clear for months, the advertising war has already begun. The race has seen nearly $66 million in ad spending, with Democrats outspending Republicans by a significant margin, $40 million to $26 million.
Baldwin is the leading advertiser, spending nearly $24 million, while Hovde, who is self-funding his campaign, has spent about $15 million. Both candidates and their allies have launched waves of attack ads, often featuring harsh personal criticisms.
The parties have a combined $48 million in future ad reservations, the seventh-most among all Senate races, with Democrats holding a substantial lead in future bookings, $37 million to $10 million.
Baldwin's ads have focused on her efforts to lower prescription drug costs and provide healthcare to veterans. Meanwhile, she and her allies have sought to portray Hovde as a carpetbagger, highlighting his purchase of a house in Laguna Beach, California, after losing a previous Senate bid in 2012.
A recent Baldwin campaign ad also seized on Hovde's past comments attributing societal problems to children born out of wedlock, prompting criticism from individuals featured in the ad.
"That just shows Eric Hovde is ignorant," one person says in the ad. "Come on. I’m successful today because of my mom," another adds. "I learned my work ethic from my mom – my single mom," a third person says. "What is wrong with this guy?" adds a fourth.
Hovde has attempted to counter these criticisms by emphasizing his Wisconsin roots. "I'm a fourth generation Wisconsinite," he says in one ad. "It made me who I am."
Before the Democratic leadership change, Hovde ran ads pressuring Baldwin to comment on Biden's potential resignation, which she declined to do. After Biden withdrew from the race, Hovde attacked Baldwin for not taking a stronger stance, accusing her of being involved in a "Biden cover-up."
More recently, Hovde's campaign released an ad during the Olympics, featuring footage of athletes training as he outlines his conservative priorities. The ad aims to position Hovde as a strong leader who will address issues like spending, healthcare, housing, border security, and fentanyl.
The race between Hovde and Baldwin is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and fiercely contested Senate races in the country, with significant implications for the balance of power in Washington.
Recent polling suggests Baldwin has an edge in her bid for a third term. A New York Times/Sienna College poll from earlier this month found her leading Hovde 51% to 43% among registered voters.
Hovde acknowledged the surge in Democratic enthusiasm following Vice President Kamala Harris' ascension to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden stepped down, a shift that could potentially harm down-ballot Republicans. However, he believes this surge is temporary.
"I think everybody on the Democratic side was very depressed about realizing how bad Joe Biden was, from a mental capacity standpoint," Hovde said. "So, of course, you’re going to get that kind of bump. But look, I feel there’s enormous amount of energy on the Republican side."
Hovde also emphasized the state's purple status and the importance of independent voters. He predicts these voters, who he believes are struggling with the current economic climate, will vote for change.
"This state has always been a purple state," he said. "As we all know, every election is very close, but those people in the middle that decide this election – I think they’re struggling, and over half of America feels like they’re in a recession."
Baldwin, who skipped Biden's rally in Wisconsin but attended Harris' event in Milwaukee, also recognizes the state's significance.
"Wisconsin will likely decide who occupies the White House, and which party controls the United States Senate," she said. "No pressure."
Despite the general election matchup appearing clear for months, the advertising war has already begun. The race has seen nearly $66 million in ad spending, with Democrats outspending Republicans by a significant margin, $40 million to $26 million.
Baldwin is the leading advertiser, spending nearly $24 million, while Hovde, who is self-funding his campaign, has spent about $15 million. Both candidates and their allies have launched waves of attack ads, often featuring harsh personal criticisms.
The parties have a combined $48 million in future ad reservations, the seventh-most among all Senate races, with Democrats holding a substantial lead in future bookings, $37 million to $10 million.
Baldwin's ads have focused on her efforts to lower prescription drug costs and provide healthcare to veterans. Meanwhile, she and her allies have sought to portray Hovde as a carpetbagger, highlighting his purchase of a house in Laguna Beach, California, after losing a previous Senate bid in 2012.
A recent Baldwin campaign ad also seized on Hovde's past comments attributing societal problems to children born out of wedlock, prompting criticism from individuals featured in the ad.
"That just shows Eric Hovde is ignorant," one person says in the ad. "Come on. I’m successful today because of my mom," another adds. "I learned my work ethic from my mom – my single mom," a third person says. "What is wrong with this guy?" adds a fourth.
Hovde has attempted to counter these criticisms by emphasizing his Wisconsin roots. "I'm a fourth generation Wisconsinite," he says in one ad. "It made me who I am."
Before the Democratic leadership change, Hovde ran ads pressuring Baldwin to comment on Biden's potential resignation, which she declined to do. After Biden withdrew from the race, Hovde attacked Baldwin for not taking a stronger stance, accusing her of being involved in a "Biden cover-up."
More recently, Hovde's campaign released an ad during the Olympics, featuring footage of athletes training as he outlines his conservative priorities. The ad aims to position Hovde as a strong leader who will address issues like spending, healthcare, housing, border security, and fentanyl.
The race between Hovde and Baldwin is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and fiercely contested Senate races in the country, with significant implications for the balance of power in Washington.