Wisconsin Republican Representative Tom Tiffany has announced that he will not enter the 2024 United States Senate race against incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin.
He made the announcement on Tuesday, leaving the GOP field open with no declared candidates and giving Democrats a formidable opponent for their 23rd seat.
With Baldwin’s strong 2018 showing, high profile across the state, and ability to raise money, Republicans are now staring down a messy primary with two self-funding millionaires and David Clarke ready to enter.
Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany said in a phone interview that he would focus on issues like natural resources, forest management, energy independence and his work on the judiciary committee rather than challenging Senator Tammy Baldwin for her third term in office.
This decision follows Rep Mike Gallagher’s declination of running earlier this year.
Although there is still some cause for optimism from Republicans as Senator Ron John won narrowly in November 2020 and Wisconsin has been decided by less than a percentage point in four of six presidential elections since 2004.
The contenders already considering entering the race include Madison businessman Eric Hovde who lost in 2012 Republican primary for Senate, Franklin businessman Scott Mayer and former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke.
Although these individuals have some advantages such as fundraising capabilities it will be difficult to unseat Baldwin given her prior success and power among Wisconsin voters.
