Tuesday’s Senate primary in Wisconsin is poised to solidify a showdown that has been gearing up for the general election for quite some time, as both parties vie for victory in what is anticipated to be one of the most fiercely contested Senate races of 2024.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin is seeking her third term in Wisconsin, a state known for its battleground status. She is expected to go head-to-head with Eric Hovde, a Republican businessman who has garnered support from the national party. Hovde has injected a substantial sum of at least $13 million from his personal wealth into his campaign, as per the latest available FEC data.
The race has already witnessed a significant ad spending spree, totaling nearly $66 million. Democrats have outspent Republicans, with a margin of approximately $40 million to $26 million. Both parties have been proactive in their campaigning efforts, saturating the media with advertisements that promote their respective candidates and criticize their opponents.
One of the advertisements highlights Baldwin’s legislative efforts to reduce healthcare costs, while another recent ad showcases her work on legislation aimed at providing healthcare to veterans affected by exposure to toxic burn pits. This initiative has been emphasized by several vulnerable Democratic incumbents in their own campaign ads.
On the offensive front, Baldwin and her supporters have launched a series of attack ads against Hovde, labeling him as a 'carpetbagger,' critiquing his rhetoric, and denouncing his policy stances.
Conversely, Hovde has utilized his substantial financial resources to air ads that introduce him to the Wisconsin electorate. These ads emphasize his ties to the state, aiming to counter Democratic criticisms while outlining a conservative agenda that prioritizes economic issues and immigration.
