Derrick Van Orden Wins Reelection in Wisconsin

Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden has won reelection for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke with 51.4% of the vote. Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, first won the seat in 2022 after Democrat Ron Kind retired, and has focused on issues such as lowering consumer prices and improving public safety. Despite a strong Democratic challenge, the district, which includes western Wisconsin, leans Republican. Van Orden's tenure has been marked by controversies, including participation in the 'Stop the Steal' rally and altercations with protesters and teenagers. Cooke, with deep family roots in Wisconsin, notably raised significant funds to close Van Orden's funding lead but ultimately fell short in the general election. The race was one of the most competitive and expensive in the district's history.