Wisconsin, known as "America's Dairyland," is gearing up for a significant primary election on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This event will shape the political landscape in this crucial battleground state, which joined the Union in 1848 as the 30th state.
The primary will determine candidates for several key positions, including the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Tammy Baldwin. In the Republican race, millionaire banker Eric Hovde has invested $13 million of his personal funds, facing minimal opposition from Charles Barman and Rejani Raveendran. The outcome of this contest is vital for Democrats hoping to maintain their Senate majority.
Voters will also decide on two constitutional amendments proposed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. These amendments would require legislative approval for the governor to spend federal funds allocated for disaster relief or other crises. Tony Evers, the Democratic governor, opposes these measures, arguing they could impede swift action during emergencies.
In the congressional races, the 8th District primary will test former President Donald Trump's endorsement power. Tony Wied, a former gas station chain owner, is running with Trump's backing against Roger Roth and Andre Jacque. This district opened up following the unexpected resignation of Rep. Mike Gallagher in April 2024.
The 3rd Congressional District, which switched to Republican control in 2022 after 26 years of Democratic representation, is seeing a competitive Democratic primary. Katrina Shankland, Rebecca Cooke, and Eric Wilson are vying for the chance to challenge incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL who was present at the Capitol during the January 6, 2021 events.
This primary marks the first election under new legislative maps, implemented after the previous ones were deemed unconstitutional in December 2023. The redrawn districts are more favorable to Democrats, who are fielding candidates in every Senate district for the first time in two decades.
Wisconsin's political history is rich, with the Republican Party having been founded in Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1854. The state was also the first to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Today, it continues to play a crucial role in national politics, living up to its state motto: "Forward."
"We are confident that we will maintain control of the Senate, despite the new district lines."
As voters head to the polls, they'll be participating in a democratic process that has been a cornerstone of Wisconsin's identity since its early days. From its 15,000 lakes to its 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, Wisconsin's diverse landscape is matched only by its political complexity. The results of this primary will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both the state and the nation.