Dems eye pick-up in Wisconsin swing district as Rep Van Orden set for rematch in key House race

A former waitress, small-business owner and nonprofit founder won the Democratic primary in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, setting her up for a rematch with Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Rebecca Cooke, raised on an Eau Claire-area dairy farm, defeated former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge on Tuesday evening. The win puts Cooke back on the ballot in one of Democrats’ top House pickup opportunities this fall.

It will be Cooke’s third attempt to win the western Wisconsin seat.