Rebecca Cooke, a former waitress and small-business owner, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. This sets her up for a rematch with Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden.
Cooke, who grew up on a dairy farm near Eau Claire, defeated former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge. This win places Cooke on the ballot again after her previous attempts to win the seat. Cooke had lost the 2022 Democratic primary to then-state Senator Brad Pfaff. She then secured the party’s nomination in 2024 but lost to Van Orden by around 11,000 votes.
Cooke emphasizes her working-class background. She has worked as a waitress from an early age, founded the Red Letter Grant to support women entrepreneurs, and operated a small retail business. Her campaign highlights affordability, healthcare, and economic issues in rural communities. Cooke aims to appeal to a broad range of voters in a district that spans Eau Claire, La Crosse, and much of western Wisconsin.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) supports Cooke, adding her to its “Red to Blue” program. This program aims to bolster candidates in competitive districts. Cooke’s campaign is well-funded and enjoys national support from Democrats. Meanwhile, Berge, a mental health counselor, ran as a local alternative, advocating voter choice beyond national party influence.
The general election will likely focus on Cooke’s finances and political activities. Van Orden’s campaign has urged her to disclose financial details, highlighting income from political consulting and rental properties. Republicans label Cooke as a political insider due to her campaign work. However, Cooke portrays her multifaceted experience as an asset, showcasing her roles in business, nonprofit leadership, and hospitality.
Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, is seeking a third term in a district that has shown Republican tendencies in recent presidential elections. Cooke’s narrow loss in 2024 and her significant fundraising have turned this race into a pivotal contest as Democrats aim to regain control of the House.
The bipartisan Cook Political Report has classified the race as a “toss up,” signifying its competitiveness in the upcoming election.
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