Trump ally in Wisconsin sticks close to the president as Democrats push to flip swing district
PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2026, 4:08 PM ET
Republican U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden is closely embracing President Donald Trump during his reelection campaign in Wisconsin's competitive 3rd Congressional District, arguing that political loyalty remains paramount. Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL who won his seat by less than three percentage points two years ago, faces a rematch against Democratic activist Rebecca Cooke. The district represents a critical battleground that could determine control of the U.S. House. While some Republicans fear that Trump's polling numbers, economic anxieties, and foreign policy debates could drag down down-ballot candidates, Van Orden is banking on high conservative base turnout. Cooke emphasizes her working-class roots and local dairy farming background to appeal to moderate and independent voters. Both campaigns are pouring resources into the western Wisconsin region as national party committees target the seat as a toss-up contest heading toward the November midterm elections.
By Ayesha A. | JQJO News
- Articles Published:
- 42
- Right Leaning:
- 4
- Left Leaning:
- 6
- Neutral:
- 32
- Distribution:
- Left 14%, Center 76%, Right 10%
Left: Highlights political risks and alignment with controversial presidential policies. Center: Reports electoral strategy and competitiveness without taking partisan sides. Right: Emphasizes loyalty principles and conservative base mobilization strategies.
Associated Press published report on Derrick Van Orden on September 9 2026 https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-van-orden-trump-democrats-midterms-01b44243675765764d858169151525a8
Coverage of Story:
From Left
HMP Poll: Rebecca Cooke Leads Derrick Van Orden in WI-03
House Majority PAC New York Times Washington Post The New Republic HuffPost IndependentFrom Center
Trump ally in Wisconsin sticks close to the president as Democrats push to flip swing district
Associated Press Ballotpedia WisPolitics FOX 9 Politico Reuters The Hill USA Today Cook Political Report Inside Elections Sabato's Crystal Ball Milwaukee Journal Sentinel La Crosse Tribune Eau Claire Leader-Telegram PBS Wisconsin Axios Newsweek Forbes Bloomberg Financial Times Reuters Canada US News & World Report Des Moines Register Star Tribune Chicago Tribune Detroit Free Press Cleveland Plain Dealer Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Seattle Times San Francisco Chronicle Tampa Bay Times Miami HeraldFrom Right
Midterm strategy: Lean into Trump or run away?
Wall Street Journal Daily Caller Newsmax The Daily Wire
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