A Republican businessman challenges the vulnerable Democratic senator in a battleground state

Republican businessman Eric Hovde launched his long-awaited campaign against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin on Tuesday.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) recruited Hovde, who had been heavy a months-long campaign, after other prominent Republicans such as Reps. Mike Gallagher i Tom Tiffany he refused to jump into the race. Hovde announced his campaign on social media video published on X and called for the country to come together to “find common sense solutions to restore America.”

“Do you feel like America is slipping away? Our country is facing enormous challenges: our economy, our health care, crime and open borders. Everything is going in the wrong direction. All Washington is doing is dividing – us and talk about who is to blame, and nothing is done. This is not the country I know and love,” said Hovde.

I am running for the United States Senate because I am tired of the constant division and direction from politicians.

It's time to send a fighter to Washington who will work to find common ground and restore the American dream.

Join me: https://t.co/K21p8GDA11 pic.twitter.com/IB0dwgSZe8

— Eric Hovde (@EricHovde) February 20, 2024

Hovde is a business executive from various investment banking and real estate companies. The Republican also founded a non-profit which helps disadvantaged children and also provides funding for multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

The Republican did a previous Senate to run for the seat now held by Baldwin in 2012, but former Gov. Tommy Thompson defeated him in the Republican primary.

“Eric Hovde's experience as a job creator rather than a career politician makes him a strong candidate to flip the Wisconsin Senate seat this year,” said NRSC President Steve Daines , in a statement. “I am pleased to see Eric enter this race and look forward to welcoming him to the United States Senate.”

Baldwin's campaign answered in the news asking for donations on social networks.

“It's official: Republican mega-millionaire and California bank owner Eric Hovde is running against me for the Wisconsin Senate seat,” Baldwin wrote. “This will be my most competitive and expensive race yet. I need your help to fight. Give now.”

The Cook Political Report characterizes Baldwin's seat as a “Lean D” category, along with other competitive races in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Nevada.

Baldwin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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