On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Senate primary will highlight Eric Hovde’s financial influence, as his personal funding has largely cleared the GOP field. With a hefty $13 million loan to his campaign, Hovde, who previously ran for Senate in 2012, is well-positioned to secure the Republican nomination against Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), aided by support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and former President Donald Trump.
This primary is pivotal for finalizing a key Senate race and concluding the NRSC’s strategy to influence this year’s primaries by selecting candidates who can thrive in the general election, rather than merely appealing to the GOP base.
Major races and primary challenges in Wisconsin and Minnesota highlight the evolving political landscape in these states
In Minnesota, Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing a primary challenge from her left-leaning colleagues, following the recent defeat of Rep. Cori Bush in a high-profile race.
Connecticut and Vermont will also hold elections, although they are not expected to generate attention.
Key races to watch include:
WI-Sen: Both Hovde and Baldwin have been running aggressive campaigns as if it were the general election, spending tens of millions on ads. Baldwin’s campaign has invested $24 million, while Hovde has committed $15 million, with further spending anticipated as the election nears.
WI-01: Former Democratic Rep. Peter Barca is attempting a comeback against Republican Rep. Bryan Steil in this district, which Trump won by 2 points in 2020. Both candidates are uncontested in their primaries and will face each other in the general election.
WI-03: In the Democratic primary, Rebecca Cooke and state Rep. Katrina Shankland are vying for the chance to challenge first-term Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden in a district that Trump won by 5 points.
WI-08: Three Republicans, including Trump-backed Tony Wied, are competing to succeed former Rep. Mike Gallagher in this conservative district. Democrat Kristen Lyerly is running uncontested.
Wisconsin State Legislature: New legislative maps signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers will reshape the legislature in 2025, reversing previous Republican gerrymanders.
MN-Sen: The GOP’s Royce White, endorsed by Trump and mired in controversy, is attempting to challenge Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who remains a strong favorite with substantial fundraising.
MN-02: Joe Teirab, endorsed by Trump, is expected to secure the Republican nomination against Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, following Tayler Rahm’s exit from the race.
MN-05: Rep. Ilhan Omar, facing challengers including Don Samuels, maintains a strong fundraising advantage despite some controversy.
MN-07: Republican Rep. Michelle Fischbach, endorsed by Trump, is contending with Steve Boyd, who aligns with the Freedom Caucus, in this safe GOP district.
Polling will close at 7 p.m. Eastern in Vermont, 8 p.m. Eastern in Connecticut, and 9 p.m. Eastern in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
