Eric Hovde accepted major campaign contribution from convicted felon tied to tax evasion and prostitution

Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde accepted a $25,000 campaign contribution from James Batmasian, a convicted felon with ties to tax evasion, prostitution, and sexual abuse, according to quarterly FEC filings. 

Hovde’s fundraising committee, the Hovde Victory Committee, reported a $25,000 donation made by Batmasian on Sept. 11. Batmasian pleaded guilty to felony tax evasion in 2008 after failing to pay the IRS $250,000 in payroll taxes. He served an eight-month prison sentence, which was retroactively pardoned by former President Donald Trump in December 2020.

Batmasian has also faced numerous lawsuits and complaints from his employees and tenants for sexual abuse and harassment. One of Batmasian’s properties was even raided by Boca Raton police after a prostitution ring was discovered to be operating there. Batmasian has denied any involvement or knowledge of the alleged illegal activity.

Hovde’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Batmasian’s run-ins with law enforcement and ties to Republican candidates run deep. Batmasian organized a 2014 fundraiser with then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), which was then promptly canceled by Scott’s campaign after The Tampa Tribune began questioning why Scott would accept funds from Batmasian. At that point, had already served his time in prison. 

With the race now in its closing days, candidate quality continues to be a major focus. Incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) has been hammering away at Hovde’s judgment, questioning whether he’s really in touch with Wisconsin values. Baldwin has even accused Hovde of carpetbagging, given the candidate’s ties to southern California. 

Across the nation, some of the key issues dominating senate races are abortion rights and access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and Wisconsin is no exception. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Wisconsin’s already restrictive abortion laws have been a huge point of contention. Baldwin has been unwavering in her support for reproductive rights, positioning herself as the candidate who’ll fight to protect access to abortion and IVF. That message is clearly resonating, especially with suburban women — who are a crucial part of the electorate. 

But for Hovde, it’s been a different story. He’s struggled to connect with suburban women, and he spread misinformation about the morning-after pill, falsely saying it’s abortion and comparing it to narcotics. His ties to controversial figures will certainly generate additional pause. With reproductive rights and personal integrity being top concerns for many voters, Batmasian’s contribution could pose significant damage to Hovde’s already shaky standing with suburban women.