GOP U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde today conceded to Dem Tammy Baldwin, saying a recount would not change the results.
In a nearly six-minute video posted on X, Hovde continued to raise concerns about the election. But he said a “request for a recount would serve no purpose” because it would only involve recounting the ballots.
According to unofficial results, Hovde trailed Baldwin by just more than 29,000 votes. That’s within the margin that would’ve allowed Hovde to seek a recount. But he would have to cover the cost.
Hovde continued to blame his loss on the presence of third-party candidates, including Thomas Leager, who ran under the American First banner.
He also said he’s not sure what the future holds for him. Some Republicans have suggested Hovde could run for guv in 2026, and he said in the video he will take a “much needed break” before returning to his businesses and his foundation. He also pledged to always “fight for the country and state that I love and work to restore the American dream.”
A Baldwin spokesperson said Hovde hadn’t called her as of late this morning. The campaign declined comment on Hovde’s remarks, instead pointing to Baldwin’s Nov. 7 victory speech in which she said it was time to come together to attack problems facing Wisconsinites and to “put the politics of division behind us.”
State Dem Party spokesperson Arik Wolk said, “Now that he’s finally conceded, I wish Eric Hovde a safe trip back to California.”
See more in today’s PM Update.