Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District: Rebecca Cooke wins 2026 election

(FOX 9) - Democrat Rebecca Cooke has won the election for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, beating out Republican incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden. 

Rep. Van Orden had held the seat since 2022. 

Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District covers 19 counties in western and southwestern Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, La Crosse, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.

FULL LIST: Wisconsin 2026 election results 

Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District election results

Who is Rep. Derrick Van Orden? 

Rep. Derrick Van Orden has represented Wisconsin’s third district since 2022, and he serves on the House Agriculture, House Veterans Affairs and the House Armed Services Committees. 

Before he became a congressman, he was in the Navy for 26 years, retiring as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief. 

If reelected, Rep. Van Orden is looking to improve transportation and infrastructure in western Wisconsin. He also wants to work to rebuild the economy. His campaign website says he "staunchly" supports President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, including boosting border security and removing illegal immigrants. 

Who is Rebecca Cooke? 

Rebecca Cooke is from Eau Claire. She worked for many Democratic campaigns across the country, before coming home to Eau Claire to open her small business in 2015. 

In 2016, Cooke founded the nonprofit Red Letter Grant, which helps women start and grow small businesses. It has helped launch over 60 businesses, according to her campaign website. Wisconsin Gov. Tim Evers appointed Cooke to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board, where she helps small business owners and rural communities. 

If elected, Cooke is looking to lower costs on essential drugs like insulin, expand Medicare, and end the Iran War. She is also looking to boost farmers by enforcing anti-trust laws to help support family farms. 

The Source: Information in this story comes from The Associated Press' election results, campaign websites and previous FOX 9 reporting.