Republican Eric Hovde conceded defeat Monday in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race, acknowledging Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin’s narrow victory.
Hovde, endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump, trailed Baldwin by about 29,000 votes — less than 1 percentage point — but declined to request a recount, citing a desire to avoid adding to political tensions.
Hovde repeated baseless claims of irregularities with Milwaukee absentee ballots, which were debunked by election officials from both parties. Baldwin’s victory, her narrowest in three Senate campaigns, came amid a challenging national landscape for Democrats, as Republicans gained control of the Senate. In her victory speech, Baldwin vowed to collaborate with Trump where possible but pledged to defend abortion rights and healthcare access.
While Hovde hinted at a possible return to politics, some Republicans have already floated his name as a potential candidate for Wisconsin governor in 2026.
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