Wisconsin GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde is questioning the results of his election loss to Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin, citing doubts over late-night absentee ballots. Hovde has not requested a recount but says he’s reviewing his options.
Hovde Expresses Doubt on Election Outcome
Following his defeat in Wisconsin’s Senate race, GOP candidate Eric Hovde publicly questioned the election results. In a video posted online, Hovde claimed that an influx of absentee ballots in Milwaukee, predominantly supporting his opponent, seemed statistically “improbable” based on initial election models and reports.
2. Late-Night Ballot Drop in Milwaukee
Hovde specifically pointed to a 4 a.m. ballot count in Milwaukee, where nearly 108,000 absentee ballots were reported, with about 90% favoring Baldwin. While such absentee ballot trends are common, Hovde argued that the scale of the margin raised questions for him and others.
3. No Recount but Reviewing Options
Despite his concerns, Hovde refrained from requesting a recount, explaining that recounts focus on numerical accuracy rather than ballot integrity. He added that he is reviewing information and may decide on further actions once “all options are reviewed.”
4. Claims of Voting Irregularities in Milwaukee
Hovde mentioned reports from others alleging high voter turnout percentages, even surpassing 100% in certain Milwaukee precincts, though he offered no substantiating evidence. He cited these claims as part of a broader pattern of what he called “voting inconsistencies” in the election process.
5. Third-Party Impact on Election Outcome
In his address, Hovde criticized third-party candidates Thomas Leager and Phil Anderson, suggesting that their presence in the race siphoned votes away from his campaign. He argued that without their involvement, the election results could have differed.
6. Sen. Tammy Baldwin Responds
Sen. Baldwin responded directly to Hovde’s claims, accusing him of spreading falsehoods to undermine the electoral process. She called on Hovde to accept the results and stop what she described as an “attack on democracy,” urging him to concede.
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