In Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, Rebecca Cooke emerged victorious in the Democratic primary, positioning her to challenge Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden. Cooke, who grew up on a dairy farm near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, defeated former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge. This success enables her to contest one of the key House seats for Democrats aiming to regain control.

This marks Cooke’s third attempt to secure the western Wisconsin congressional seat. She lost in the 2022 Democratic primary but gained the party’s nomination in 2024. Van Orden, however, surpassed her in the 2024 election, garnering 51.4% of the vote compared to Cooke’s 48.6%.

Rebecca Cooke, in her campaign, highlighted her working-class roots. She worked as a waitress in her youth, founded the Red Letter Grant to support women entrepreneurs, and owned a small business. Her campaign focuses on issues such as affordability, health care, and economic challenges in rural communities, emphasizing her ability to appeal across party lines.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee included Cooke in its “Red to Blue” program, indicating substantial national support and funding for her candidacy. Emily Berge, who opposed Cooke in the primary, offered herself as a local alternative to the nationally backed Cooke.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL and the sitting representative, seeks a third term. His campaign has called for transparency regarding Cooke’s financial disclosures, which she has until August 13 to file. They argue that Cooke’s income sources challenge her working-class identity. Critics point to her political insider status due to her work on Democratic campaigns and associated fundraising.

The general election may focus heavily on Cooke’s financial history and political involvement, as Republicans aim to portray her as deeply tied to the political framework. However, her record includes business leadership and hospitality industry experience.

The Wisconsin’s 3rd district, a swing area, has leaned Republican in previous presidential elections. Cooke’s close 2024 result and robust fundraising have turned this race into a pivotal contest for Democrats seeking to take back the House. The Cook Political Report has adjusted its race rating from “lean Republican” to “toss-up,” reflecting the competitive nature of the upcoming election.