Hovde's Wife Takes on Baldwin in Wisconsin Senate Race

MADISON, Wis. — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde is shifting the focus of his campaign following his party nomination, prominently featuring his wife, Sharon Hovde, in a new television ad. The ad directly targets Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, addressing past comments made by Hovde regarding single mothers. Sharon Hovde, who was a single mother before marrying Eric, criticizes Baldwin's campaign tactics, asserting that they have gone too far. This personal approach marks a significant turn in Hovde's campaign strategy, as he seeks to counter Baldwin's criticisms. In the ad, Sharon Hovde recounts her struggles as a single mother and emphasizes her husband's commitment to supporting state housing programs for single mothers. This tactic is seen as an effort to mitigate the backlash from Hovde's previous remarks, where he described single motherhood as a "direct path to a life of poverty." Baldwin's campaign has defended its ad, which highlights Hovde's past comments, arguing that they reflect a broader pattern of disrespect towards various groups in Wisconsin. Hovde, a wealthy businessman endorsed by former President Trump, is positioning himself as a challenger to Baldwin, who is seeking a third term. The race is critical for both parties, with Democrats aiming to maintain their Senate majority. Hovde's campaign has already invested heavily, spending over $13 million, while Baldwin's team continues to leverage Hovde's past statements to frame him as out of touch with Wisconsin values. As the general election approaches, both candidates are ramping up their messaging, with Baldwin portraying Hovde as a wealthy outsider and Hovde accusing Baldwin of being too liberal. The outcome of this closely watched race could significantly impact the balance of power in the Senate.