Summary
The 2023 race for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District was marked by intense competition and record-breaking fundraising, culminating in incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden successfully defeating Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke. Van Orden received 51.4% of the vote, while Cooke garnered 48.6%, making it the costliest House race in Wisconsin’s history with nearly $12 million raised collectively by both candidates.
This election was characterized by a lack of direct debates between the candidates, despite both expressing willingness to engage in one. Van Orden, a Navy SEAL veteran and freshman congressman, emphasized his military background and legislative experience, portraying Cooke as a liberal political insider. The race was closely watched on a national level, reflecting broader trends in competitive districts across the country. Polls leading up to the election indicated a slight advantage for Cooke, which highlights the shifting dynamics in voter sentiment leading into the final days of the campaign.
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