Derrick Van Orden

Laura Schulte

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Aug. 4, 2026, 3:40 p.m. CT

MADISON - Two Democrats are vying for a primary win in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, the winner of which will take on incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden in November.

The district covers large areas of western Wisconsin and is in the national spotlight as Democrats seek to gain a seat in the House of Representatives.

Here's who will appear on the Aug. 11 primary ballot in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, which only features a Democratic primary:

Rebecca Cooke

Residence: Eau Claire

Political experience: Cooke previously has run for the 3rd District twice. She won the primary in 2024, but lost to Van Orden by about 11,000 votes. In 2022, she was knocked out of the primary by state Sen. Brad Pfaff, who went on to lose to Van Orden by about the same margin. Cooke has also worked as a political consultant and fundraiser and most recently worked for the center-left think tank Third Way.

Occupation: Cooke has owned small businesses and worked as a waitress, and has served as a nonprofit leader, establishing the Red Letter Grant to support women who own small businesses.

Policies: Cooke says on her campaign website that she is seeking to be a "homegrown Wisconsinite" in Washington, D.C., and highlights building a better healthcare system, creating a better economy, fighting for famers, strengthening unions and schools and improving water quality among some of the top issues she would focus on.

Emily Berge

Residence: Eau Claire

Political experience: Berge has served on the Eau Claire City Council since 2018, was elected vice president in 2018, and elected as president in 2023. She has also served on the board of directors for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, having served as both president and vice president, her campaign website says.

Occupation: Berge is a licensed professional counselor, according to her campaign website, and has worked as a counselor for 20 years. Her practice focuses on supporting individuals through anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions and challenging family dynamics.

Policies: Berge on her campaign website lists housing as a right, healthcare access, affordability, supporting farmers, strengthening unions and caring for the environment as some of her top priorities if elected.

Laura Schulte can be reached at [email protected] and on X @SchulteLaura.

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