Democratic Candidate Sarah Cooke Challenges Republican Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin

Democratic candidate Sarah Cooke is competing in a primary election to challenge Republican incumbent Representative Derrick Van Orden for a U.S. House seat in rural Wisconsin. The race centers on the economic stability of the poverty-stricken district, where voters are reacting to the policies of President Donald Trump.

Economic friction has intensified due to the U.S. war with Iran, which has driven up the costs of fuel and fertilizer, and trade disputes with China that have stalled agricultural exports. Additionally, 2025 tax-cut legislation that reduced SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, and renewable energy incentives has become a point of contention. Cooke campaigns as a moderate Democrat, focusing on labor unions, farm consolidation, and support for rural hospitals.

Representative Derrick Van Orden maintains a MAGA-friendly image and defends the administration's foreign policy as a necessary path toward long-term stability. He argues that holding adversaries accountable is worth the current short-term economic disruptions. The outcome of the tight race is expected to hinge on whether rural voters prioritize these long-term strategic goals or the immediate financial pressures facing local farmers.