Wisconsin Senate race tighter than polls indicate as GOP challenger tries to unseat Tammy Baldwin: Cook Political Report

(The Center Square) – While recent polls covering the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin show Democrat incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin with a 7-point lead over Republican challenger Eric Hovde, a project survey released this week By Cook Political Report Suggests that this race is one of the most competitive races in the country.

Compared to their poll in August when Baldwin was ahead by +7, the most recent data from Cook Political Report shows he has a 2-point lead of 49% support compared to Hovde’s 47% support.

In contrast, results of a recent Marquette Law School poll indicate that Baldwin maintains a substantial lead over his opponent, with 53% of registered and likely voters choosing him, compared to 46% in a head-to-head election. Hovde is chosen in the fight.

When respondents were allowed to choose the undecided option, Baldwin’s lead narrowed to 5 points; 10% of registered voters reported they were undecided, while 48% went in favor of Baldwin and 43% went in favor of Hovde.

The survey, conducted September 18–26, interviewed 882 registered voters and 798 likely voters in Wisconsin, with both surveys having a margin of error of +/–4.4.

The partisan composition included 34% Republicans, 32% Democrats, and 34% independents.

Baldwin also remains ahead of her opponent in favorability ratings, with the same number of registered voter respondents having a favorable versus unfavorable view of her, 47% to 47%.

Hovde’s favorable and unfavorable ratings have increased as voters have become more familiar with his candidacy, with 36% of October respondents holding a favorable view of him, while 45% hold an unfavorable view, compared to Baldwin’s net zero. Has a NET-9 compatibility rating. ,

But 18% of survey respondents still reported that they did not know enough about Hovde to form an opinion.

Both the MLS and Cook Political Report surveys found that both candidates had largely gained ground, with independent voters leaning toward Baldwin.