Three people considered as possible candidates for the Dem nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, for the 3rd CD are opting against bids.
Multiple Dem sources said Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, who’s from Viroqua in the western Wisconsin district, has decided against running. Hughes said she is focused on her job leading the state’s economic development agency, according to one source.
Former CIA and U.S. Army officer Deb McGrath also confirmed to WisPolitics she won’t launch a second bid.
McGrath said she decided against a bid for “personal reasons” but did not expand further. She noted she’s pursuing a Ph.D. in business administration at UW-Whitewater, an endeavor she’s put off for the past few years.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, said he intends to seek reelection to the state Senate instead of the 3rd CD.
Dems Rebecca Cooke, an Eau Claire nonprofit owner, has formally entered the race, along with Aaron Nytes, a student at Harvard University who plans to move to La Crosse in May.
State Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, and former La Crosse County Board chair Tara Johnson are also considering running.
