After Rep. Tiffany’s Departure, Who Will Challenge Sen. Baldwin for the GOP Nomination?
Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany has announced that he will seek re-election instead of running for the Senate, leaving Wisconsin Republicans in search of a candidate to compete against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Tiffany has easily won his district in the past and is a strong conservative on various issues. Speculation had been growing that Tiffany would challenge Baldwin, who became the first openly lesbian person to be elected to the Senate. However, Tiffany ultimately decided against it. Potential GOP candidates for the Senate seat include Madison businessman Eric Hovde, Franklin businessman Scott Mayer, and former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. Hovde, who narrowly lost a Senate primary in 2012, is the most talked-about prospect and has personal wealth that could fund his campaign. Although Baldwin won her last race comfortably, Republican officials believe she is vulnerable due to her high level of support for Joe Biden and his declining popularity in Wisconsin. The GOP sees the upcoming Senate race as a competitive opportunity, as many statewide races in Wisconsin have been decided by small margins in recent years.
