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 closely watched Senate races of 2024.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin is seeking a third term in the battleground state, and her likely opponent is Republican businessman Eric Hovde, 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 financial disclosures.
The race has already witnessed a significant influx of ad spending, totaling nearly $66 million. Democrats have outspent Republicans, with expenditures of around $40 million compared to the GOP's $26 million. Both sides have been proactive in their advertising efforts, saturating the airwaves with commercials 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 a bill 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.
Conversely, Baldwin and her supporters have launched aggressive attack ads against Hovde, portraying him as a newcomer to the state and scrutinizing his rhetoric and policy stances.
Meanwhile, Hovde has utilized his substantial financial resources to introduce himself to Wisconsin voters through ads that emphasize his ties to the state. His campaign aims to counter Democratic criticisms while outlining a conservative platform that prioritizes economic issues and immigration.
