Former President Trump backed Republican Eric Hovde on Tuesday in the Wisconsin Senate competition to oust Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
“I met Eric, and I’ve studied Eric and I — because we have to get it right and running against some very fine people, really. But I’ve looked it out, and they’re going to have other opportunities. Eric, I am giving you my complete and total endorsement,” Trump said during a rally in Green Bay, Wis.
“So go out and win. Go out and win.”
The Wisconsin entrepreneur started his effort for Baldwin’s position in February, concluding several months of speculation. Wisconsin is among a few important battleground states that will determine the presidency and control of the Senate.
Wisconsin Democrats criticized Trump’s endorsement in a statement shortly after his announcement.
“Eric Hovde and Donald Trump are birds of a feather: two out of touch affluent men running to put themselves first and Wisconsinites last,” said Arik Wolk, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Democratic Party, in a statement.
“From prohibiting abortion, revoking the Affordable Care Act, and promoting MAGA conspiracy theories about January 6 and the 2020 election, Donald Trump and Eric Hovde won’t fight for Wisconsin values.”
The impartial election assessor Cook Political Report rates Baldwin’s seat as “lean Democrat.”
