The top Democratic candidate in Wisconsin’s most competitive district is facing accusations of double-dealing after financial disclosures revealed he worked for one of the small businesses his nonprofit gave grants to.
Wisconsin primary voters head to the polls on Tuesday.
Rebecca Cook, a former political fundraiser and strategist, He raised more money than his primary opponent.teeth Many political commentators think He is seen as the leading candidate to face Republican Rep. Derrick Van Alden, who is endorsed by President Trump, in November.
Cook founded and runs Red Letter Grant, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering female entrepreneurs, which awards $2,000 startup grants to women-owned businesses.
She also Good Wives Restaurant The university received a $2,000 grant from Cook’s nonprofit in 2022, according to public records.
According to Cook’s 2023 financial disclosure report, she Revenue: $18,000 She will receive $2,256 from the Red Letter Grant in 2022 and another $2,256 working as a part-time waitress at The Good Wives.
She also reported income from both the nonprofit and the restaurant in 2023.
“Rebecca Cook is a sleazy political activist who only has her own interests in mind,” Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the Republican National Campaign Committee, told The Washington Post.
“Cook is desperately trying to hide the fact that he has helped elect far-left politicians throughout his career, but is now making shady deals for his own personal gain.”
“She must explain these allegations and be honest with Wisconsin voters.”
Cook’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Cook also ran in the 2022 3rd Congressional District Democratic Primary, receiving 31% of the vote, but ultimately lost the primary to state Sen. Brad Pfaff.
Rep. Derrick Van Alden, a former Navy SEAL and outspoken Democrat, defeated Pfaff by 2.7 percentage points in the general election, the closest margin of victory in any House race in the state.
This year’s Democratic primary has been more competitive than usual, but it belies the fact that Cook and his opponents, state Rep. Katrina Shankland and Eric Wilson, a former real estate and health care worker, appear to agree on most issues, including “protecting democracy,” health care, abortion rights and opposition to Trump’s policies.
In a June head-to-head match, FiveThirtyEight Polls beat Van Alden. 4-point lead About Cook.
House Democrats’ Super PAC $4 million They will appear in television ads supporting the candidate who wins the primary.
Despite Cook’s momentum, state Democratic Party leaders have endorsed Shankland, and Tuesday’s primary is expected to be a gauge of Democratic turnout and influence in the district heading into November.
