When Vice President Kamala Harris held her first campaign rally as the presumptive Democratic nominee, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin was on hand to welcome her. Baldwin did not attend President Joe Biden’s post-debate rally in the state earlier in the month. However, her appearance with Harris signaled the excitement Democrats are feeling from their base, which will be crucial in helping the party defend one of the blue wall states that Biden narrowly won in 2020. Baldwin, facing a likely tough reelection race, acknowledged the challenges of winning votes from ticket-splitters in today’s polarized political climate.
In competitive Senate races across the country, many Democratic incumbents, including Baldwin, were already polling better than Biden. Baldwin has been campaigning to both harness her base and reach beyond it, meeting with voters in various areas of Wisconsin. Her challenger, Eric Hovde, a wealthy bank CEO, has been targeted by Baldwin’s campaign for his California connections and controversial comments. Hovde, who has poured millions of his own money into the Senate race, aims to consolidate the GOP base and nationalize the election by tying Baldwin to the Biden administration and Harris.
Despite Hovde’s attempts to close the gap in the polls, a Fox News poll released recently showed Baldwin leading by a significant margin. At events like the Port Fish Days parade, where voters were undecided on the Senate race but showed support for Trump, Baldwin engaged with potential voters, trying to appeal to both her base and swing voters. Her strategy has focused on defining Hovde before he can define himself, highlighting his California connections and controversial statements to contrast with her Wisconsin roots.
Baldwin’s supporters, fired up at local events like the Grant County Democratic picnic, are enthusiastic about her reelection campaign. The Democratic Party in Wisconsin is experiencing unprecedented levels of enthusiasm, with donors and volunteers rallying behind candidates like Baldwin. The potential impact of Harris on down-ballot Democrats like Baldwin is seen as significant, with the hope that voters supporting Harris for president will vote straight ticket for other Democrats. As the campaign progresses, both Baldwin and Hovde are vying for support in a highly contested race.
In a state where the political landscape is closely watched, the dynamics of the Senate race in Wisconsin present a challenge for both Baldwin and Hovde. While Baldwin has a lead in the polls, Hovde’s efforts to consolidate the GOP base and nationalize the race are ongoing. As the campaign heats up, the race is expected to draw national attention, with strategic maneuvers from both sides shaping the narrative as they aim to secure victory in a critical battleground state for the Democrats.
