The first and only debate between Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican Eric Hovde in the Wisconsin Senate race was marked by sparring over abortion rights and economic issues. The candidates clashed over reproductive rights, with Baldwin advocating for a woman’s rights regardless of location and Hovde expressing support for exceptions to an abortion ban. Hovde falsely accused Baldwin of supporting late-term abortions, which she vehemently denied. The race has tightened, with both parties making the seat a priority.
The candidates also sparred on immigration, foreign policy, and economic issues such as child care costs, senior care, and Social Security. Baldwin criticized Hovde for wanting to cut federal spending to fund entitlement programs, while he accused her of lying and attacked her Washington, D.C. residency.
They also traded barbs over their Wisconsin credentials, with Baldwin pointing out Hovde’s recent time in California and him questioning her connection to the state. Both candidates emphasized their ties to Wisconsin, with Hovde highlighting his UW-Madison degree and Baldwin her UW Law School credentials. The debate provided a preview of the contentious race ahead of early voting and Election Day in a closely divided battleground state.
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