MADISON, Wis. (WRN/AP) — Tammy Baldwin declares a win in a close U.S. Senate race.
According to unofficial returns from The Associated Press, the incumbent Democrat led Republican Eric Hovde by 28,687 votes with 99% of precincts reporting. That’s a difference of 0.9%.
Baldwin declared victory early Wednesday morning in her bid for a third term. Hovde isn’t conceding, saying in a statement his campaign will “continue to monitor returns and make sure that every vote is counted.”
Under state law, a candidate in second place with a margin of no more than 1% may request a recount. If the margin is 0.25% or less, taxpayers pick up the cost. Otherwise, the petitioner must pay recount costs.
Baldwin was one of five vulnerable Senate Democrats defending their seats with control of the chamber hanging in the balance.