Republican Eric Hovde officially launched his campaign on Tuesday to challenge Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), providing the GOP with a crucial piece for its 2024 electoral strategy in a pivotal battleground state.
Hovde, a businessman from the Madison area, presents Republicans with a potentially strong contender in a state where incumbency has held significance in recent elections.
In his campaign announcement video, Hovde voiced concerns about the direction of the country, citing issues such as the economy and border security. He emphasized the need for unity and practical solutions to address the nation’s challenges.
The news of Hovde’s candidacy has been well-received within national GOP circles, with Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) endorsing him as the preferred choice of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Wisconsin had been the only remaining state without a prominent Senate GOP candidate, and Republicans had been actively seeking a viable contender to challenge Baldwin, who has proven resilient in past elections.
Hovde brings experience from a previous Senate primary in 2012, where he narrowly lost to former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson (R). Despite his defeat, Hovde’s willingness to invest substantially in the campaign signals a robust challenge for Baldwin in the upcoming race.