Democratic Surge in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District
In a significant development for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, Democrat Rebecca Cooke has once again surpassed Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden in campaign fundraising. This ongoing financial duel highlights the fierce competition in a race that is pivotal for both parties.
With the Democratic Party aiming to reclaim control of the U.S. House and counter President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, the 3rd District has emerged as the most financially intense battleground in Wisconsin. The GOP, determined to maintain its majority, is responding with equal vigor.
From January 1 to March 31, Cooke, hailing from Eau Claire, raised approximately $2.4 million and expended around $551,000, according to her latest federal campaign finance report. In contrast, Van Orden reported raising about $1.3 million and spending $255,000 during the same timeframe. By the end of the reporting period, Cooke had approximately $4.4 million in her campaign coffers, while Van Orden had about $3.8 million.
Cooke’s fundraising prowess was also evident in the last quarter of 2025, where she outpaced Van Orden, as reported previously.
Despite support from the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Cooke faces a primary challenge from Emily Berge, the Eau Claire City Council President. Berge’s recent financial disclosures indicate she raised nearly $177,000 and spent just under $150,000 in the first quarter of 2026. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 4.
On the Republican side, Van Orden benefits from support from his party colleagues and Vice President JD Vance, who campaigned on his behalf during a rally in Plover this February.
Trump-Backed Contender Dominates 7th District Fundraising
In Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, not deemed as competitive as the 3rd, the race to replace outgoing GOP U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has drawn numerous candidates. Republican Michael Alfonso, endorsed by Trump, leads the pack financially, bolstered by a PAC partly funded by his father-in-law’s former campaign.
Alfonso’s campaign raised around $601,000 from January to March, spending nearly $149,000, and concluded the period with $732,000 on hand. Northwoods Future PAC, based in Alabama, invested nearly $629,000 in support of his campaign.
Republican Paul Wassgren secured approximately $1.8 million, largely through a $1.7 million loan to his campaign, spending $1.5 million, with $1.2 million allocated to loan repayment. His campaign retained about $1.7 million.
Other Republican contenders, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening, and Niina Threlfall-Baum, raised significantly less. Among Democrats, Fred Clark raised about $112,000, Chris Armstrong secured just over $11,000, and Ginger Murray reported raising around $5,900.
Fundraising Disparity in Wisconsin’s 1st District
The 1st Congressional District, a key target for Democrats, shows a notable fundraising gap favoring Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil. Despite Democratic efforts to flip his seat, Steil’s financial lead remains substantial.
Steil raised over $933,000 from January to March 2026, spending around $272,000, and concluded with approximately $5.6 million in his campaign reserves. His closest Democratic competitor, Mitchell Berman, raised about $209,000, spent under $159,000, and had around $141,000 remaining.
