Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden has successfully defended his seat in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District election, defeating Democrat Rebecca Cooke in a closely watched race. The Associated Press officially declared Van Orden the winner at 12:10 p.m. ET.
Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, secured his first re-election as an incumbent after initially being elected in 2022. Throughout his campaign, he garnered support from former President Trump and established himself as a key ally of Republican House leadership.
On the other side, Cooke, a local business owner, emerged victorious in a competitive Democratic primary to challenge Van Orden. She was appointed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
The 3rd Congressional District of Wisconsin encompasses a diverse range of counties, including Dunn, Pierce, Pepin, Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, Monroe, La Crosse, Vernon, Richland, Crawford, Grant, Adams, and Portage.
The race between Van Orden and Cooke drew significant attention due to its potential impact on the balance of power in Congress. Ultimately, Van Orden's victory solidifies his position as a representative for the district, while Cooke's campaign energized Democratic supporters in the region.
As the dust settles on this election, both candidates and their respective supporters are reflecting on the outcome and looking ahead to future opportunities to engage with constituents and address key issues facing the district.
