Democrat Rebecca Cooke won the party’s nomination Tuesday for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge and setting up a rematch against Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden in the November general election.
Cooke, a Democrat fundraiser and party loyalist, is making her third consecutive bid for the western and central Wisconsin seat. She lost the Democratic primary in 2022 and fell short against Van Orden by less than 3 percentage points in 2024, even as she outperformed national Democratic candidates in the district.
National Democrats had backed Cooke early, adding her to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program and steering resources her way in hopes of avoiding a divisive primary. Berge entered the race despite that preference, drawing local criticism that party leaders were short-circuiting voters’ choices. Cooke significantly outraised her primary opponent, amassing millions in a contest that has already drawn heavy national attention and spending as one of the few true toss-up House races.
The 3rd District, which includes Eau Claire, La Crosse and rural areas of the Driftless Region, has trended more Republican in recent cycles. Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, was first elected in 2022. President Donald Trump carried the district by a wider margin in 2024 than Van Orden did against Cooke.
Cooke has positioned herself as a moderate, self-described Blue Dog Democrat with support spanning progressive and centrist factions, emphasizing farm roots, small-business experience and local economic concerns. Van Orden’s campaign has highlighted his military background and conservative record. The November contest is expected to attract substantial outside spending as both parties battle for control of the House.
