Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District is set for a high-stakes rematch, as Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden and Democrat Rebecca Cooke have both secured their parties' nominations, according to Decision Desk HQ projections. The race in this sprawling central and western Wisconsin district is one of the GOP's most vulnerable seats and a key target for Democrats seeking to flip the House.
Cooke, a political fundraiser and waitress, won the Democratic primary, defeating former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge, who was her only challenger. Cooke previously ran against Van Orden in 2024 and lost by roughly 11,000 votes. Her campaign received early institutional support, with the House Democrats' campaign arm adding her to their Red to Blue program in February, signaling the party's focus on this district.
The district encompasses a mix of college towns like Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Stevens Point, along with rural communities in the state's southwestern corner. This blend of constituencies makes the race a bellwether for suburban and rural voter sentiment in the upper Midwest.
Van Orden is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents this cycle. Although President Trump carried the district by more than 7 points in 2024, Van Orden won his seat by only about 3 points that same year—a gap that Democrats believe is closable. The party is also eyeing Wisconsin's 1st District, where Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) is seen as potentially vulnerable, though Trump's margin there was closer to 5 points and Steil won by 10.
The competitive nature of the race has drawn national attention. At least 10 officials from the Trump administration have appeared alongside Van Orden, according to Wisconsin Public Radio, an indication of the GOP's effort to shore up support in the district.
Democrats have sought to tie Van Orden to Trump's agenda, particularly his tariffs and the administration's policy bill that has led to significant cuts in rural hospital funding. They have also criticized Van Orden for attending Trump's rally before the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol—a recurring line of attack.
Republicans, meanwhile, have mocked Cooke for running a third time and highlighted her past support for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, attempting to paint her as out of step with the district's voters.
The rematch is part of a broader set of primaries that could reshape the November battlegrounds, as several pivotal races are unfolding across the country. Wisconsin's primaries have also tested Democratic strength, with the 3rd District race drawing particular scrutiny. The outcome in November could hinge on turnout in the district's college towns and rural areas, as both campaigns prepare for an intense fall fight.
With control of the House at stake, both national parties are expected to pour resources into this race. The primaries in Wisconsin and other states have set the stage for a contentious midterm cycle, and the Van Orden-Cooke rematch is poised to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country.
