Eric Hovde says he ‘spent a lot of time in Black culture,’ cites work on homeless shelters in Africa

During a radio interview last week, Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde made a rapid series of gaffes, including saying he is involved in Black culture through running homeless shelters for abandoned African children.

Hovde is attempting to be relatable towards a constituency that typically eschews the party. But while speaking with 101.7 The Truth, a Milwaukee-based Black talk radio station, during the city’s Juneteenth celebration, the 15-minute interview became predictably awkward. 

In an overly affected Wisconsin accent, Hovde disparaged his opponent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) and President Joe Biden, deriding federal spending as the cause of inflation. Hovde also emphasized a key Republican talking point: immigrants are taking resources away from citizens in need. 

He then claimed to be very much in the know of Black culture. 

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Black culture … I’ve spent a lot of time in places like Africa, because I have homeless shelters for abandoned kids and rescuing kids out of the street,” Hovde said. “And I’ve been involved in schooling, charter schools, and things of that nature.”

At a Milwaukee Juneteenth celebration, WI Sen. hopeful Eric Hovde (R) says he “spent a lot of time in Black culture … in places like Africa … I have homeless shelters for abandoned kids.”

Hovde adds he’ll return to the Milwaukee Juneteenth event next year:

“I like party.” pic.twitter.com/R8yFtHOk7J

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) June 25, 2024

While revealing that he was still learning about the history of slavery in Wisconsin and that he was celebrating Juneteenth as a holiday for the first time this year, Hovde pledged he would return for future celebrations.

“Because I like party. I like dancing. I like food.”