Rebecca Cooke Wins Democratic Primary for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District

Rebecca Cooke, a former waitress, small-business owner, and nonprofit founder, has won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. This victory sets her up for a rematch with Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden.

Raised on a dairy farm near Eau Claire, Cooke defeated Emily Berge, the former Eau Claire City Council President, marking one of the Democrats’ significant opportunities for a House pickup this fall. Previously, Cooke lost the 2022 Democratic primary to then-state Senator Brad Pfaff but secured the party’s nomination in 2024. Van Orden won against Cooke in November with a 51.4% to 48.6% vote margin.

Cooke’s Background and Campaign

Cooke has highlighted her working-class roots in her campaign. She began working as a waitress at a young age, founded the Red Letter Grant to support women entrepreneurs, operated a small business, and was appointed to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. Her campaign focuses on making healthcare and living expenses more affordable and addressing rural economic challenges. Cooke aims to appeal across party lines in a district that includes Eau Claire, La Crosse, and much of western Wisconsin.

She entered the primary as the better-funded candidate with significant national support. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recognized her candidacy as part of its “Red to Blue” program, directing resources to competitive candidates.

Opposition and General Election Dynamics

Emily Berge presented herself as a local alternative, advocating for voter choice over national party influence. Though her base was primarily in Eau Claire, Berge’s campaign was overshadowed by Cooke’s fundraising and backing.

In the general election, Cooke faces renewed examination of her finances and political history. Van Orden’s campaign has pushed for her financial disclosure, extended two days post-primary, while questioning her working-class credentials due to disclosed income from political consulting and rental properties. Republicans have portrayed Cooke as entrenched in Democratic politics, noting her campaign work and fundraising roles. Cooke argues her experience spans broader interests, including business operation and nonprofit leadership.

Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL first elected in 2022, is pursuing a third term. Cooke’s narrow 2024 loss and substantial fundraising efforts have heightened the race’s visibility. The Cook Political Report has shifted the district’s rating from “lean Republican” to “toss up.”