U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden outraised his Democratic challenger, Rebecca Cooke, but got swamped by advertising from Super PACs.
Outside liberal orgs outspent GOP 10-1 for western Wis House seat. Dems still lost.
Van Orden ran well behind Trump. Can he hold his western Wis district in 2026?
Trump won the 3rd Congressional District by 7+ points, while Van Orden won it by less than 3. In the House district in SE Wisconsin, Steil ran well ahead of Trump, perhaps putting it out of reach for Democrats.
Dems improved against Van Orden in ’24, have better chance in ’26, experts say
Rep. Derrick Van Orden defeated his challenger by about 2.8% this year, a tighter margin than in 2022. Democrats are likely to make his district a priority again in 2026, which projects to be a good year for them.
$12 mil & counting: The most expensive race in the history of western Wisconsin
Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden and Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke have raised a record amount as they run neck and neck in the race for the 3rd Congressional District.
Top donors to Rep. Van Orden of western Wisconsin in the 2024 campaign (so far)
Donations from big agribusinesses and right-wing billionaire megadonor Richard Uihlein make up much of the congressman’s early financial support.
‘Waitress’ fundraising more than Dem competitors for House seat in western Wisconsin, but all trail GOP incumbent
The 2022 race for the 3rd Congressional District set fundraising records, and this year’s campaign could be even more expensive.
GOP blocked from undoing redistricting blunder in western Wisconsin district
But it’s still trending red as Republicans look to flip a district the retiring Ron Kind held for 25 years.
Stevens Point state legislator appears to have violated campaign finance laws
State Sen. Patrick Testin accepted donations over the legal maximum from several donors
Record campaign spending for state Sen. Testin’s district that includes Stevens Point
Nearly $1.9 million raised and spent for a $53,000-a-year-job
Political donations continue to accelerate after campaign finance laws relaxed in 2015
Record campaign cash in the only competitive US House seat in Wisconsin
Moderate Democrat Ron Kind spent millions to retain the seat he’s held for 25 years, even as millions flowed in to defeat him
