Former President Trump endorsed Republican Eric Hovde on Tuesday in the Wisconsin Senate race to unseat 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 businessman launched his bid for Baldwin’s seat in February, capping off months of speculation. Wisconsin is among a handful of critical battleground states that will determine the presidency and control of the Senate.
Wisconsin Democrats bashed Trump’s endorsement in a statement shortly after his announcement.
“Eric Hovde and Donald Trump are birds of a feather: two out of touch rich guys running to put themselves first and Wisconsinites last,” said Arik Wolk, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Democratic Party, in a statement.
“From banning abortion, repealing the Affordable Care Act, and promoting MAGA conspiracies about January 6 and the 2020 election, Donald Trump and Eric Hovde won’t fight for Wisconsin values.”
The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Baldwin’s seat as “lean Democrat.”