L.A. Times columnist brands Eric Hovde ‘Wisconsin’s California candidate’

Los Angeles Times columnist Mark Z. Barabak labeled U.S. Senate hopeful Eric Hovde “Wisconsin’s California candidate” in a column published Thursday.

Not the headline Eric Hovde is looking for! pic.twitter.com/pVW6HNQmVN

— Tim Hogan (@timjhogan) May 16, 2024

Since launching his Senate campaign in February, Hovde has consistently been on defense in his attempt to unseat incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D). His undeniable ties to the West Coast — where Hovde owns a $7 million mansion in Laguna Beach, Calif. with private yacht access in Laguna Beach and his Sunwest Bank company in Utah — have proven to be liabilities.

Yet, Hovde claims to have deep Wisconsin roots.

Recent polling has seen Baldwin take a significant lead over Hovde, with one recent survey from Quinnipiac University suggesting a 12-point advantage. This may be due to past recordings of Hovde coming to light, where he criticized young people, women, the alcohol industry, overweight people and farmers.

More recently, Hovde also took aim at the elderly, saying that “almost nobody in a nursing home in a point to vote.” These comments garnered backlash even from those on Hovde’s side of the aisle, including former Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke, who himself pondered a Senate run this cycle.

Fmr. Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke (R) on Eric Hovde’s campaign:

“He said seniors shouldn’t be allowed to vote because they don’t really have all their faculties … You can’t talk like that! What the hell is wrong with you? … He’s on his third position on abortion.” pic.twitter.com/eSC3fM3KM5

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) May 16, 2024