MADISON, WI — Former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney delivered a strong message at the Cap Times Idea Fest, urging Wisconsin voters to reject not only Donald Trump but also candidates Eric Hovde and Derrick Van Orden, whom she criticized for their roles in undermining democracy. Cheney, who previously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, made it clear that if she were a Wisconsin resident, she would not vote for either Hovde or Van Orden, continuing her public break from the Trump-aligned faction of her party.
Her comments reflect growing frustration within the Republican Party over election deniers and far-right extremism. Cheney’s stance comes after her well-documented fallout with Donald Trump following his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and her involvement in the January 6 House Committee.
Cheney Criticizes Trump, Hovde, and Van Orden
Cheney specifically called out Trump’s false claims of voter fraud in Wisconsin, a state he lost in 2020, as well as Hovde and Van Orden’s alignment with similar election denial narratives. Van Orden, a current representative, was present at the January 6 Capitol insurrection and continues to defend his participation, claiming widespread voter fraud. Businessman Eric Hovde has also pushed unproven conspiracy theories about voting procedures and drop boxes in Wisconsin.
Cheney also took aim at Hovde’s recent suggestion that nursing home residents should be barred from voting, calling it anti-democratic.
Republican Divisions Deepen
As more Republicans push back against Trump’s influence and the far-right elements of the party, Wisconsin has become a key battleground. Joe Oslund, communications director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, highlighted the stakes, stating, Donald Trump, Eric Hovde, and Derrick Van Orden share a dangerous disregard for democracy—and even Republicans are refusing to support them.
According to Cheney and Oslund, Wisconsin voters are now faced with a crucial decision about the future of democracy in their state.