The final Senate battleground of the top-tier races was set on Tuesday, with Wisconsin’s match-up becoming official. Eric Hovde, a wealthy real estate executive, easily secured the GOP nomination, giving him the opportunity to challenge Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Hovde’s victory, declared by The Associated Press shortly after polls closed, closed out the Senate primary season for Republicans, who are aiming to regain the majority in 2024.
The GOP needs to flip just two seats to reclaim the Senate, and with Sen. Joe Manchin retiring in West Virginia, they already have a near-certain pickup. This year’s election map presents important challenges for Democrats, who must defend seats in highly competitive states including Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Eric Hovde’s win in the Wisconsin GOP primary finalizes the Senate battleground for 2024 against Sen. Tammy Baldwin
However, with President Joe Biden not seeking reelection, Democrats feel more optimistic about their chances, as both parties secured the match-ups they desired. Following a disappointing midterm performance, national Republicans focused on recruiting wealthy self-funders, including Hovde, although he wasn’t their initial choice.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee eventually rallied behind Hovde, securing an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Baldwin remains a formidable opponent despite his strong financial backing, leveraging her incumbency since 2013 and a substantial campaign war chest.
National Democrats are positioning Hovde as an outsider, emphasizing his ties to California, despite his Wisconsin roots. Baldwin, who made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ senator, is gearing up for a tough reelection battle in this key swing state.
