Baldwin leading challenger Eric Hovde by 5 points in reelection bid: Survey

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) is leading her Republican challenger Eric Hovde by 5 points, a new survey found.

According to the survey, conducted by Marquette Law School, Baldwin is supported by 52 percent of Wisconsin’s registered voters compared to Hovde’s 47 percent. The results are the same among likely voters, too, the survey noted.

The results include undecided voters who were asked to choose between the two candidates. If they were not included, Baldwin still is in the lead with 45 percent support. Hovde trail, with 38 percent support, and 17 percent of respondents say they are still undecided.

Much of Baldwin’s support is coming from Democrats. Ninety-five percent of registered Democrats say the incumbent senator will get their vote. Still, 52 percent of independent voters say they will vote for her. She earns 12 percent support from Republicans.

Hovde, who has been endorsed by Trump, earns more support from Republicans. Eighty-eight percent of registered GOP voters will cast their ballots for Hovde, and 48 percent of independents say the same.

Baldwin’s support is a good sign for Democrats looking to keep its razor-thin Senate majority, but her support has slipped over the last month as voters likely became more familiar with Hovde.

Trump endorsed Hovde in early April. The Wisconsin businessman officially launched his bid for Baldwin’s seat in February after months of speculation.

Wisconsin is among the key battleground states that will both determine who wins the presidential election and whether Democrats keep control of the Senate.

The nonpartisan election site Cook Political Report rates Baldwin’s seat as “lean Democrat.”

The Marquette Law School survey was conducted June 12-20 among 871 Wisconsin voters and has a margin of error of 4.6 percentage points.