How Tammy Baldwin Won Wisconsin: A Blueprint for Democrats in Divided States

In a pivotal Wisconsin Senate race, Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin secured a narrow victory over Republican businessman Eric Hovde, despite facing a state that leaned Republican at the presidential level, with former President Donald Trump winning the state. Baldwin’s success, marked by a margin of fewer than 30,000 votes, offers valuable insights into navigating a divided electorate.

Building Relationships Across the State
Baldwin’s win stemmed from her consistent efforts to connect with voters, particularly in rural areas traditionally dominated by Republicans. She credited her extensive travel and grassroots engagement for her victory, emphasizing the importance of showing up in both “blue and deep red areas of the state.”

Her approach paid off, as Baldwin outperformed Vice President Kamala Harris in 65 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Harris, who campaigned for the presidential ticket, faced the challenge of building voter trust within a limited timeframe, which Baldwin had nurtured over years.

Championing Rural Issues
Baldwin’s advocacy for rural Wisconsin resonated with farmers and small-town voters. She championed “Made in America” policies, supported dairy farms, and prioritized broadband expansion. These efforts earned her the rare endorsement of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, making her the first statewide Democrat to receive the organization’s backing in over two decades.

The campaign capitalized on Hovde’s perceived disconnect from agricultural issues, highlighting his admitted lack of expertise on the U.S. farm bill during a debate—a critical topic for Wisconsin farmers.

Overcoming Political and Personal Challenges
Baldwin also faced intense scrutiny over her personal life, with Republican ads accusing her of conflicts of interest tied to her long-term relationship with private wealth adviser Maria Brisbane. The senator dismissed the attacks as baseless and focused on her legislative track record. Senate ethics rules exempted her from disclosing Brisbane’s assets, a fact Baldwin highlighted in her defense.

A Playbook for Future Success
Political experts see Baldwin’s strategy as a potential roadmap for Democrats navigating split-ticket states. Barry Burden, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, noted the balancing act required: addressing rural concerns while mobilizing urban voters in strongholds like Madison and Milwaukee.

With Wisconsin’s political future in focus, Baldwin’s approach offers lessons for Democrats ahead of high-stakes elections, including the 2025 state Supreme Court race that could shift the court’s ideological balance.

Baldwin’s victory underscores her belief that Wisconsin has “so much more that unites us as a state than divides us,” a sentiment that could guide future campaigns in bridging divides and building coalitions.

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