Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke is campaigning to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District ahead of the November midterm elections. Cooke, a moderate Democrat and former dairy farmer's daughter, is currently the frontrunner in the district's Tuesday primary. The race is expected to be closely contested in a district that has recently trended toward the Republican party but was previously won by former President Barack Obama.
The contest is occurring amid voter concerns regarding the effects of the Trump administration's policies on rural communities. Rep. Van Orden has been a supporter of several signature administration initiatives, including the 2025 tax-cut legislation that reduced funding for Medicaid, renewable energy incentives, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While Van Orden maintains these policies and the administration’s military engagement with Iran are necessary for long-term accountability, some local farmers report significant financial strain from rising costs.
Economic data and personal testimonies highlight the challenges facing the district’s agricultural sector. According to an April American Farm Bureau survey, 70% of members reported being unable to afford fertilizer. AAA data shows Wisconsin diesel prices averaged $5.05 a gallon as of Sunday, down from a peak of $5.87 in May but significantly higher than the $3.51 average recorded a year ago. Additionally, local produce farmers noted the cancellation of federal food purchasing programs that previously helped state and tribal governments distribute local food to food banks.
For local residents, the policy debates translate into concrete changes in household and business finances. Farmers are paying roughly $1.54 more per gallon of diesel than they were at this time last year, which directly impacts the profitability of corn, soybean, and dairy operations. Those relying on federal assistance programs have seen reductions in SNAP benefits and the loss of local food distribution channels following the 2025 tax-cut legislation and the expiration of pandemic-era purchasing programs. Small-business owners and students in university towns like Eau Claire will see the results reflected in the availability of renewable energy incentives and healthcare funding for rural hospitals.
The election will serve as a test for whether moderate Democratic messaging can win back rural voters in a rightward-trending district or if Republican support for trade tariffs and energy policies remains the preferred path for the majority. Following the primary election on Tuesday, the winners will move to the general election in November. Rep. Van Orden continues to advocate for the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025" and year-round ethanol sales as solutions for economic stability, while Cooke has proposed expanding federal support for rural hospitals to prevent closures and implementing measures to slow farm consolidation.
For local residents, the policy debates translate into concrete changes in household and business finances. Farmers are paying roughly $1.54 more per gallon of diesel than they were at this time last year, which directly impacts the profitability of corn, soybean, and dairy operations. Those relying on federal assistance programs have seen reductions in SNAP benefits and the loss of local food distribution channels following the 2025 tax-cut legislation and the expiration of pandemic-era purchasing programs. Small-business owners and students in university towns like Eau Claire will see the results reflected in the availability of renewable energy incentives and healthcare funding for rural hospitals.
The election will serve as a test for whether moderate Democratic messaging can win back rural voters in a rightward-trending district or if Republican support for trade tariffs and energy policies remains the preferred path for the majority. Following the primary election on Tuesday, the winners will move to the general election in November. Rep. Van Orden continues to advocate for the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025" and year-round ethanol sales as solutions for economic stability, while Cooke has proposed expanding federal support for rural hospitals to prevent closures and implementing measures to slow farm consolidation.