Wisconsin Democratic Primary Results

A former waitress, who also founded a nonprofit and owned a small business, has secured the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. This win positions her for a rematch against Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

On Tuesday, Rebecca Cook, who was raised on a dairy farm near Eau Claire, emerged victorious over former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Burge. This victory gives Cook another opportunity to contest what is viewed as a strong chance for Democrats to flip a House seat this fall.

This marks Cook’s third attempt to win the seat representing western Wisconsin. She lost the 2022 Democratic primary to Brad Pfaff and faced Van Orden in the November general election, where she lost by around 11,000 votes.

Cook has built her campaign around themes of affordability, healthcare, and economic struggles in rural areas. Her background, working-class roots, and experiences in entrepreneurship are likely to resonate with voters across a district that includes Eau Claire, La Crosse, and parts of western Wisconsin.

Entering this primary election, Cook had stronger financial backing and support from the national Democratic Party. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has placed her in its “Red to Blue” program, which focuses resources on candidates deemed to have a solid chance in competitive districts.

Burge, a mental health counselor, positioned herself as a local alternative to Cook, stressing that the nomination shouldn’t just rely on national endorsements and funding. She was expected to receive significant support in Eau Claire.

In the upcoming general election, Cook is likely to face increased scrutiny regarding her personal financial history and political engagements. Van Orden’s campaign has called for her to disclose financial details, which are due shortly after the primary. They’ve argued that past financial interests clash with her working-class image.

Republicans are also trying to label Cook as too much of a political insider, highlighting her contributions to previous Democratic campaigns, while Cook defends her experiences as valuable assets, including running a business and leading a nonprofit.

Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL first elected in 2022, is now pursuing a third term. Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is seen as a battleground where Republicans have gained ground in recent presidential elections. However, Cook’s recent close loss and her fundraising efforts have made this race one to watch for Democrats hoping to regain control of the House.

The Cook Political Report has recently updated the race designation from “Republican lead” to a “toss-up,” underscoring its competitiveness.