Democrat Surpasses Republican in Fundraising for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District Race
In an unexpected twist in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District race, Democrat Rebecca Cooke has outpaced Republican Derrick Van Orden in recent fundraising efforts. This marks a significant milestone in a contest that is crucial to both parties as they vie for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The latest campaign finance data highlights a competitive battle, with both candidates raising nearly $1 million each in the first three quarters of 2025. However, in the last quarter, Cooke managed to raise approximately $1.2 million, edging past Van Orden who garnered about $931,000. Cooke’s haul included $72,000 from political action committees and support from other Democratic congressional campaigns. Van Orden’s contributions featured $100,000 from similar Republican sources.
Despite Cooke’s recent fundraising success, Van Orden still maintains a larger war chest. He concluded the year with nearly $3 million, after spending $461,000 in the final months of 2025. Cooke, meanwhile, spent $436,000 and ended with around $2.5 million. The Democratic primary, however, also includes Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge, who raised $115,000 and has $70,000 remaining.
High Stakes in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District GOP Primary
The Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District has attracted significant financial interest following U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany’s decision to run for governor. This has triggered a flurry of donations, particularly towards a political action committee supporting 25-year-old Michael Alfonso, who has familial ties to former district representative and current U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Northwoods Future PAC, established in October, has emerged as a major player, raising $2 million, with contributions from Duffy’s campaign fund and GOP donor Richard Uihlein. The PAC has invested $1.2 million in promoting Alfonso. Other Republican contenders, Jessi Ebben, Paul Wassgren, and Kevin Hermening, have largely self-financed their campaigns through personal loans or business in-kind contributions.
Wassgren’s campaign reported raising $1.6 million, primarily through a personal loan, while Hermening’s campaign has amassed over $1 million similarly. Ebben raised $271,000, spending a fraction of it, and Alfonso’s campaign raised $313,000, spending $34,000, and securing an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Democratic Candidates Lag in 7th District Fundraising
In contrast, Democratic hopefuls in the 7th District trail significantly in fundraising. Former state Rep. Fred Clark raised $163,000, including a small personal loan, while Ginger Murray’s campaign brought in $109,000, mostly from a loan. Both ended 2025 with modest campaign funds.
Steil Leads in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District
In the state’s 1st District, Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil remains the dominant financial force. According to recent reports, Steil raised $853,000 in the last quarter, leaving him with nearly $5 million at year’s end. His closest Democratic challenger, Mitchell Berman, raised $109,000, concluding the year with $90,000.
