Wisconsin battleground House race: Rebecca Cooke defeats GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden
A district shifts politically
Cooke, a moderate Democrat, ousted Van Orden in the district, which includes the college towns of Eau Claire, La Crosse and Stevens Point. CBS News projected her victory.
Barack Obama won the rural district in 2008 and 2012. It later voted for Donald Trump in three straight presidential elections.
Campaign money and farm costs
Cooke raised nearly $12 million, compared with $8.8 million for Van Orden, according to the latest Federal Election Commission data. Farmers in the district faced financial uncertainty as the Iran war increased fertilizer and diesel costs. Trump’s tariff policies also added pressure.
Trump visit and election impact
Trump visited the district in June, his only trip to Wisconsin during this election cycle, and promised farmers an economic turnaround. In a recent debate, Van Orden said the war was making it harder for Republicans to retain their House and Senate majorities, while defending the conflict. CBS News also projected that Democrats had gained control of the Senate.
Key points
- Rebecca Cooke defeated Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District.
- Cooke raised nearly $12 million, while Van Orden raised $8.8 million.
- Farmers faced higher fertilizer and diesel costs amid the Iran war and tariff-related pressure.
- CBS News projected Democrats had gained control of the Senate.