In Battleground Wisconsin, Republican Derrick Van Orden Doubles Down on Trump Alliance Ahead of Midterms

In a high-stakes campaign that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, two-term Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden is making an unapologetic bet on his close relationship with Donald Trump. While some members of his party are navigating the midterm elections with caution, the western Wisconsin lawmaker argues that breaking rank with the president is an act of both poor political judgment and profound disloyalty.

Van Orden is fighting to protect his seat in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, a crucial swing region that the former president carried three consecutive times. Despite the political risks that come with a polarizing national climate, the incumbent has chosen to embrace the administration fully, positioning himself as a steadfast ally in a fiercely contested political landscape.

For Republicans nationwide, the midterm environment has generated growing anxiety. Lawmakers have voiced concerns over Trump’s sagging approval ratings, ongoing anxieties surrounding the economy, and the political fallout from the unpopular war in Iran. In many districts, candidates have sought to temper their national party branding in hopes of shielding themselves from national headwinds.

Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL whose personal style mirrors the confrontational and combat-ready approach favored by Trump, has rejected any such distancing. His strategy rests on the core calculation that activating and turning out the conservative grassroots base is the single most effective formula for winning in November, particularly given Trump’s position as the undisputed leader of the Republican Party.

Before traveling to Dallas to participate in Trump’s midterm convention, Van Orden made his perspective clear during an interview with The Associated Press. He emphasized that personal commitment and political steadfastness should take precedence in public life, asserting that loyalty is a virtue that remains sorely lacking in contemporary politics and arguing that public servants ought to demonstrate greater dedication toward their fellow Americans.

Standing in his path is Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke, a political activist and former dairy farm worker who also works part-time as a restaurant server. The contest marks a high-profile rematch from two years ago, when Cooke came within striking distance of unseating the Republican lawmaker in a race decided by fewer than 3 percentage points.

Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District represents one of the nation’s dwindling number of genuine swing seats. Stretched across the western portion of the state, the V-shaped district is bounded by the Mississippi River and Minnesota to the west and reaches down to the Illinois border in the south. Because of its unpredictable voting behavior and closely divided electorate, national strategists consider the seat an essential piece in the Democratic Party’s effort to regain the House majority.

Historically, the region has shown a strong preference for moderate governance. Democratic Representative Ron Kind represented the district for 26 years before stepping aside in 2022, and his tenure was preceded by a moderate Republican who held the office for 16 years. This multi-decade history of sending centrist figures to Washington highlights the district's complex ideological identity.

The district's track record in presidential races underscores its reputation as a crucial barometer of national sentiment. Voters backed Democrat Barack Obama twice before swinging behind Trump in three consecutive presidential elections, reflecting the narrow margins that define Wisconsin politics. Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has aptly characterized the area as a bellwether district within a critical bellwether state.

The clash of styles and visions was on full display as the campaigns intersected during Labor Day festivities in the Driftless Area. Both candidates visited Readstown, a scenic village of fewer than 500 residents nestled among the region’s rolling hills. Van Orden took part in the parade riding his motorcycle alongside his two young grandsons, Teddy and Henry, while Cooke marched among her organized slate of local supporters.

Speaking before the parade, Cooke expressed confidence that voters throughout the district are weary of polarization and gridlock. She stated that constituents are actively seeking something fresh and different this election cycle, driven by an overarching exhaustion with standard partisan politics. Her platform focuses on tapping into that widespread appetite for alternative leadership.

That sentiment resonates with local residents who are weighing their options in the upcoming election. Nancy Deckert, a 75-year-old retired postal worker from Readstown, voiced the frustrations that Cooke hopes to harness, noting that many voters feel overwhelmed by the country’s current challenges and believe a fundamental change in direction is necessary.

As the midterm race enters its final stretch, the competing approaches between Van Orden and Cooke offer a stark contrast for voters. Whether Van Orden’s fierce loyalty to the president will safeguard his congressional seat or open the door for a Democratic takeover remains one of the central questions in the battle for control of Capitol Hill.