Battle for Wisconsin: Democrats Gear Up to Unseat Rep. Van Orden

In a significant political development in western Wisconsin, three Democratic contenders are setting the stage for a high-stakes challenge against Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden. The contenders, hailing from diverse professional backgrounds, share the common goal of flipping Van Orden’s seat in the upcoming general election. Among them is Rebecca Cooke, recognized for her contributions as a small business owner, who enters the race with a focus on economic development and community support.

Joining Cooke in the electoral battle is state Rep. Katrina Shankland, whose legislative experience and advocacy for education and healthcare reform have garnered attention across the 18-county district. Completing the trio is Eric Wilson, an IT professional, bringing a tech-savvy perspective to the race, with ambitions of addressing the digital divide and enhancing cybersecurity.

The race is not merely a contest for representation but a reflection of the broader national and state Democratic strategy to secure pivotal seats in Congress. The district, encapsulating a diverse electorate, stands as a critical battleground where the Democrats are hopeful of leveraging their candidates’ unique strengths and visions for a transformative victory come November.