Eau Claire, WI – Bringing both candidates for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District together on
one stage was no small feat, and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is incredibly proud
to have made it happen in partnership with WEAU 13 News.

On October 20, the Chamber brought Rebecca Cooke and Congressman Derrick Van Orden face-
to-face for a live, hour-long candidate forum, giving voters across Western Wisconsin a rare opportunity to hear directly from both candidates at the same time, under the same format.

The forum was the culmination of weeks of conversations and careful coordination with both
campaigns. From negotiating a format both candidates felt comfortable with, to developing
impartial rules and questions, security and event logistics, and working with WEAU to bring the
conversation to viewers across the district, the Chamber worked to create an environment built
on fairness and trust. The result was something increasingly difficult to accomplish in today’s
political environment: both candidates, in the same room, willing to engage in a substantive
conversation about the issues facing the people they are running to represent.

Candidates were asked about the economy and affordability, workforce and immigration,
healthcare, taxes, tariffs, global conflict, energy, higher education, childcare, and federal
permitting. The goal was to reflect the range of issues voters across the 3rd Congressional
District are thinking about as they head to the polls.

That is what makes this forum so significant. At a time when political dialogue is increasingly
divided, creating a space where both candidates in a closely watched congressional race were
willing to come together, answer the same questions, and make their case directly to voters was
an accomplishment the Chamber is especially proud of.

The Chamber’s role in advocacy has always been about more than weighing in on policy. It is
also about bringing people together. That means creating opportunities for people to engage
with those who represent them, hear different perspectives, ask difficult questions, and
ultimately make informed decisions for themselves.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to provide for Western Wisconsin,” said Dave
Minor, President and CEO of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. “Voters deserve the
chance to hear directly from the people running to represent them, and we’re proud that the
Chamber could help bring both candidates together and make that happen.”

For the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, the forum represented what nonpartisan
advocacy can look like at its best: creating the space, building the trust, and bringing people
together so voters can decide for themselves.

Watch the full candidate forum here: https://www.weau.com/2026/10/20/3rd-congressional-
district-candidates-meet-candidate-forum/