Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde recently shared his perspective on the potential impact of Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign momentum on down-ballot races in battleground Wisconsin. Hovde, who is favored to win the GOP primary to face Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, downplayed the significance of the energy surrounding Harris, referring to it as 'temporary enthusiasm.'
Vice President Harris campaigned in western Wisconsin alongside her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, last week. Hovde acknowledged the boost in enthusiasm for Democrats but emphasized the substantial energy on the Republican side. He highlighted real issues such as consumer credit, loans, food, and housing costs that Americans are grappling with.
Expressing his belief in Wisconsin as a purple state with closely contested elections, Hovde noted that voters in the middle, who often determine election outcomes, are facing challenges. He pointed out that a significant portion of Americans feel the impact of a potential recession, indicating a possible shift in voter preferences.
When asked about the potential impact of former President Donald Trump's polling numbers on his race, Hovde reiterated his focus on running for the US Senate and appreciating Trump's endorsement and campaign. Despite trailing Baldwin in statewide polling, Hovde emphasized that he is not fixated on the polls, drawing parallels to Trump's 2016 victory in Wisconsin despite initial polling indications.
As the race for the Senate in Wisconsin continues to unfold, Hovde remains committed to his campaign and engaging with voters on critical issues affecting the state and the nation.