Democrat Tammy Baldwin defeats California banker Eric Hovde, retains Wisconsin Senate seat

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) retained her U.S. Senate seat after defeating California businessman Eric Hovde on Tuesday night, securing a third term in office. 

The race was called by AP News on Wednesday at 12:42 p.m.

Cook Political Report shifted this race to a tossup in early October as Hovde caught up to Baldwin in the polls. Baldwin and Hovde began to trade personal attacks in recent weeks as the race tightened. During their only debate on Oct. 18, Hovde again attacked Baldwin regarding the investments made by Baldwin’s partner in a heated moment. 

“Eric Hovde should stay out of my personal life. And I think I speak for most Wisconsin women when I say that he should stay out of all of our personal lives.” @SenatorBaldwin pic.twitter.com/tjkONvMxgW

— Civic Media (@CivicMediaUS) October 19, 2024

Baldwin served in the U.S. House (14 years) and Wisconsin state Assembly (six years) prior to joining the U.S. Senate in 2013. In that time, Baldwin has advocated for progressive health care policy, including Medicare for all, as well as LGBTQ rights and gun control. 

Hovde is a banker, real estate investor and political newcomer who has never been elected to public office. Despite what came down to a tight race, Hovde conducted a scandal-ridden campaign that included disparaging nursing home residents, proposing slashing all federal programs, accepting money from foreign governments and defending the fact that he owns a mansion in California.