Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, achieved a significant political milestone by successfully securing re-election despite President-elect Donald Trump flipping the state back to red in the presidential election. This duality of outcomes illustrates the complex political landscape of Wisconsin, known for its swing state status.
Baldwin attributes her hard-fought victory to her innovative approach known as the “72-county strategy.” During her campaign, she made it a priority to travel to areas beyond the state’s two major blue hubs, Milwaukee and Dane counties, ensuring her presence was felt statewide.
“I think showing up matters, listening matters,” Baldwin emphasized in a candid interview with Fox News Digital. “And so I go, and I really listen and get to know the challenges and aspirations of people all over the state, rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas.” Her deep commitment to understanding the diverse needs of Wisconsin residents underscored her campaign’s success.
Baldwin won by a margin of several tens of thousands of votes, mirroring the narrow victory Trump achieved in the state. This close contest highlighted the importance of grassroots campaigning in a politically divided environment.
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Sen. Baldwin emerged victorious in her re-election bid in Wisconsin, where Donald Trump also captured a significant portion of the vote. (Reuters/File)
According to her campaign team, Baldwin conducted over 250 events across Wisconsin in 2024, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to engaging with constituents. Additionally, she hosted several targeted tours, including her popular Dairyland Tour and the Rural Leaders for Tammy Tour, both designed to connect with voters on key issues.
Her campaign also strategically microtargeted rural communities, effectively delivering tailored content surrounding her contributions to the state’s agricultural sector. This approach proved critical in rallying support among voters who felt their concerns were being addressed directly.
Yet, her extensive travel was just one element of her strategy; Baldwin recognized that meaningful voter engagement was essential. “People can go everywhere, but they also need to effectively engage voters in each place they travel to,” she explained, reinforcing the significance of authentic interactions.
Furthermore, Baldwin expressed gratitude for the years she spent building trust with Wisconsin voters, contrasting her experiences with the short timeframe that the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris had to mobilize voters in the state. This long-term relationship with constituents undoubtedly played a crucial role in her re-election.
Baldwin also emphasized the importance of convening roundtables and forums while visiting various parts of Wisconsin. “So I’ve done that on, say, the fentanyl and opioid epidemic, bringing together first responders, public health officials, concerned community members to talk about what does the epidemic look like in this community, in this area of the state? What resources do you need? What are your biggest worries?” This proactive approach demonstrated her dedication to tackling pressing local issues.
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A woman wears a Cheesehead hat with the American flag in Wisconsin. (Reuters/File)
Additionally, Baldwin organized numerous events focused on pressing agricultural issues, a sector crucial to Wisconsin’s economy. She credits her extensive work in this area as instrumental in her re-election success. In early October, she received a significant endorsement from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors, a notable feat for a Democrat in a statewide election.
“They cited a number of different measures that I either championed or actually got into law,” Baldwin noted, highlighting her legislative achievements.
Pointing to her Dairy Business Innovation Act, which allocates small grants to dairy producers and processors, she recalled a visit to a farm that had benefited from one of these grants. “I went this past spring to a particular farm that had received one of these grants, and they had also invited several other farmers and processors who had received grants to show me what they were able to do with these grants in order to grow their business and improve their bottom line,” she shared, illustrating the tangible impact of her legislative work.
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Dairy remains a crucial agricultural industry in Wisconsin, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. (AP Photo/Charlie Litchfield/File)
Baldwin also acknowledged the importance of the manufacturing sector in her state, attributing her advocacy for “buy America” rules in key pieces of legislation as influential in securing votes from working-class constituents. This focus on local industry resonates strongly with many Wisconsin voters.
When asked if her campaign could serve as a model for other Democrats, particularly those in swing states, she affirmed, “I think it is something that would be helpful to many public officials.” This reflection showcases her belief in the value of grassroots engagement as a winning strategy.
Baldwin, reflecting on her first Senate campaign, revealed, “I had been in the House of Representatives representing, as you know, seven counties in [the] south-central part of the state. I had to learn Wisconsin as I was running.” This experience was pivotal in shaping her approach to inclusive campaigning.
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Baldwin touted her 72-county strategy as essential to her success. (Reuters/File)
“And so traveling to do that learning was extremely important, being exposed to, you know, the timber industry and the north woods. We didn’t have a big timber industry in the south-central part of the state,” she elaborated, illustrating her commitment to understanding all regions of Wisconsin.
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For the first time, Baldwin heard from Wisconsinites who expressed feeling neglected by elected officials. “One thing I will say that I hear from constituents when I show up is just like, ‘I don’t remember the last time we had a U.S. senator visit our community, and especially not a Democrat,'” she recounted, highlighting the disconnect felt by some voters.
“It’s like, you know, the timber industry folks saying, ‘I don’t think we’ve ever had a senator pay so much attention to us,'” she added, emphasizing the importance of her dedicated outreach and the resonance it had with the constituents who felt overlooked.
What strategies did Senator Tammy Baldwin use to connect with diverse communities during her re-election campaign?
**Interview with Senator Tammy Baldwin on Her Re-Election Victory**
**Interviewer**: Senator Baldwin, congratulations on your re-election victory in Wisconsin. You managed to win even as Donald Trump captured a significant number of votes in the state. What do you attribute your success to?
**Senator Baldwin**: Thank you! I believe it comes down to my commitment to truly listen to the people of Wisconsin. I conducted over 250 events across the state, engaging with individuals in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Showing up and listening to the challenges and aspirations of residents makes a difference. I implemented a “72-county strategy” to ensure my presence was felt beyond just the major hubs of Milwaukee and Madison.
**Interviewer**: That sounds like a very ambitious strategy. Can you elaborate on how you tailored your campaign to meet the needs of different communities?
**Senator Baldwin**: Absolutely. My campaign focused on microtargeting rural communities and addressing specific concerns they have, particularly in agriculture, which is vital to our economy. For instance, through my Dairy Business Innovation Act, I was able to provide small grants to dairy producers, which I saw firsthand during my visits to farms. These personalized interactions helped rally support, as people felt their unique needs were being addressed.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the importance of grassroots campaigning in a politically divided environment. How did that influence your approach?
**Senator Baldwin**: The close nature of the election highlighted how critical grassroots engagement is. I made a conscious effort to convene roundtables to tackle issues like the opioid epidemic, which allowed community members, first responders, and public health officials to discuss local worries and available resources. It’s essential to foster meaningful dialogues, not just give speeches.
**Interviewer**: You also received a significant endorsement from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. How important was their support for your campaign?
**Senator Baldwin**: Their endorsement was incredibly valuable. It reflects my dedication to the agricultural sector and the legislative achievements I’ve accomplished for farmers. Their support helped solidify my credibility among voters who prioritize agriculture in Wisconsin.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what lessons do you think your campaign holds for other Democrats, especially in swing states?
**Senator Baldwin**: My campaign demonstrates that building long-term relationships with constituents is crucial. Engaging people authentically and consistently over the years makes a significant difference when election seasons come around. I would encourage other candidates to focus on local issues, be present in their communities, and truly listen to what voters have to say.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for sharing your insights. Your dedication to Wisconsin’s residents clearly played a pivotal role in your re-election.
**Senator Baldwin**: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to continue serving the people of Wisconsin.
