The 3rd CD Democrats of Wisconsin, along with the Emily Berge and Rebecca Cooke campaigns, welcome Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s sudden willingness to debate during the 2026 general election. 

On June 2, 2026, the 3rd CD Democrats of Wisconsin issued a press release asking for the Van Orden campaign to contact us to begin preparations for a general election debate. I documented how I contacted the campaign as well as the Republican 3rd CD Chair in order to arrange debate details. We have heard nothing. 

In a July 21, 2026 press release, his campaign said “I am challenging Rebecca Cooke to a debate right now.” This is excellent news, as Rep. Derrick Van Orden has spent the entire 2025-2026 congressional term hiding from town halls and open discussions with his constituents, choosing instead to appear at events where only Republicans were allowed to enter. 

Sadly, the Derrick Van Orden campaign seems to have forgotten that there is still a primary happening on the Democratic side. Both candidates are eager and willing to participate in a debate and hold Rep. Van Orden accountable for his many votes hurting Wisconsin families and their pocketbooks. This is why both campaigns have authorized the 3rd CD Democrats of Wisconsin to make plans for a general election debate now, since the primary happens so late in the calendar.