As the 2024 Wisconsin Senate race heats up between Republican nominee Eric Hovde and Democrat Tammy Baldwin, Hovde took the spotlight in Madison last Wednesday, hosting a roundtable discussion centered on healthcare reform. The event, organized by the Hovde campaign, brought together doctors, nurses, and patients to share their experiences with the current healthcare system and voice their concerns.

Hovde, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), argued that the legislation has only worsened access to healthcare while driving up costs. He emphasized the decline of family doctors and the increasing difficulty many face in obtaining quality care. “The cost of healthcare has accelerated, and access to care has continued to decline,” Hovde said, noting that he personally appreciated the ACA’s pre-existing conditions protections as someone with multiple sclerosis, as reported by WKOW.

In the debate, Hovde also addressed high drug prices, expressing frustration with Big Pharma. He recalled how his medication for MS had jumped from $6,000 annually to $35,000 for generic versions. Hovde criticized Baldwin for her campaign’s financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, saying, “Your entire campaign is funded by Big Pharma and Big Tech,” referring to over $900,000 that the campaign has collected from the pharmaceutical industry. 

In response, Senator Tammy Baldwin’s campaign issued a statement highlighting her efforts to lower prescription drug costs, including a law that caps insulin prices for seniors at $35 per month.

The Senate race remains tight, with a recent poll showing Hovde narrowly leading Baldwin by 0.4 points. However, with 10% of Wisconsin voters still undecided, healthcare will continue to be a key issue as the election approaches.