Rebecca Cooke Defeats Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin's 3rd District Race
In a closely watched rematch, Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke unseated Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District.
Rebecca Cooke secured victory over incumbent Derrick Van Orden in the race for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, marking a significant shift in the region's political landscape. The contest, which took place on Tuesday, November 1, 2026, saw Cooke triumph with a decisive edge over her opponent 123.
However, there is some dispute regarding the exact date of the election. While sources report it as November 1, 2026, other accounts suggest a different timing, creating a minor discrepancy that needs further verification 3.
Van Orden, a Republican representative known for his service on the House Agriculture Committee, faced a formidable challenge from Cooke, who raised approximately $12 million for her campaign, compared to Van Orden’s $8.8 million 1. The district, which includes parts of western and central Wisconsin such as Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Stevens Point, has historically shown a preference for swing states, with notable shifts in voter allegiance over the past decade 1.
The 3rd Congressional District has seen a trend of fluctuating support between major parties, with Barack Obama winning the area in 2008 and 2012, followed by Donald Trump’s victories in 2016, 2020, and 2024 13. In the most recent presidential contest, Trump garnered 52.8% of the vote, while Kamala Harris received 45.5% 3.
Van Orden’s previous success in the 2024 House race, where he won with 51.3% of the vote against Cooke’s 48.6%, highlighted the competitiveness of the district 3. Additionally, in 2020, Joe Biden narrowly edged out Trump in the district with 46.7% of the vote, compared to Trump’s 51.4% 3.
Cooke, a Democratic candidate and small-business owner, also serves as a political fundraiser and is the founder of a nonprofit organization. Her opponent, Van Orden, is a retired Navy SEAL and enjoyed the backing of former President Donald Trump 3.
This electoral outcome is part of a broader narrative of Democratic gains, with the party securing control of both the House and Senate 1. The result underscores the ongoing competition for control of the House of Representatives, reflecting the national trend of shifting political allegiances and regional dynamics.
What we know
- - Rebecca Cooke defeated Derrick Van Orden in the race for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District 123
- - The race took place on Tuesday, November 1, 2026, though this is disputed 3
- - Derrick Van Orden is a Republican representative and sits on the House Agriculture Committee 13
- - Rebecca Cooke raised approximately $12 million, while Van Orden raised around $8.8 million 1
- - Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District includes parts of western and central Wisconsin, such as Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Stevens Point 1
- - The district has been competitive in recent elections, switching between party control 3
- - In 2024, Donald Trump won the district with 52.8% of the vote, while Kamala Harris received 45.5% 3
- - Van Orden won the 2024 House race with 51.3% of the vote compared to Cooke's 48.6% 3
- - In 2020, Joe Biden won 46.7% of the vote in the district, and Trump won 51.4% 3
- - Van Orden is a retired Navy SEAL and had Trump's endorsement 3
- - Cooke is a small-business owner and founder of a nonprofit group 3
- - This race is part of the competition for control of the House of Representatives 3
What remains unclear
- - The exact date of the election is disputed, with conflicting reports 3
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 67%, weighted across 17 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Rebecca Cooke defeated Derrick Van Orden in the race for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. (92%)
- unverified The race took place in 2024. (54%)
- disputed The race took place on Tuesday, November 1, 2026. (27%)
- likely Derrick Van Orden is a Republican representative from Wisconsin. (82%)
- likely Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District includes parts of western and central Wisconsin, such as Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Stevens Point. (71%)
- likely Rebecca Cooke raised approximately $12 million, while Van Orden raised around $8.8 million. (71%)
- likely Barack Obama won the district in 2008 and 2012, but it voted for Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024. (71%)
- likely Van Orden sits on the House Agriculture Committee. (71%)
- likely Democrats gained control of both the House and Senate. (71%)
- likely Rebecca Cooke is a Democratic candidate and works as a political fundraiser and server. (70%)
- likely The district has been competitive in recent elections, switching between party control. (67%)
- likely In 2024, Donald Trump won the district with 52.8% of the vote, while Kamala Harris received 45.5%. (67%)
- likely Van Orden won the 2024 House race with 51.3% of the vote compared to Cooke's 48.6%. (67%)
- likely In 2020, Joe Biden won 46.7% of the vote in the district, and Trump won 51.4%. (67%)
- likely Van Orden is a retired Navy SEAL and had Trump's endorsement. (67%)
- likely Cooke is a small-business owner and founder of a nonprofit group. (67%)
- likely This race is part of the competition for control of the House of Representatives. (67%)
Sources
- CBS News U.S. — Rep. Derrick Van Orden ousted in Wisconsin rematch
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wisconsin-3rd-district-results-derrick-van-orden-rebecca-cooke/ - The Hill Home — Cooke unseats incumbent Van Orden in Wisconsin House rematch
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6175753-cooke-wins-wisconsin-house-race/ - Washington Examiner Congress — Cooke defeats Van Orden in Wisconsin rematch
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4771390/derrick-van-orden-rebecca-cooke-wisconsin-3rd-district-results/