3rd Congressional Democratic candidates bring different views in the effort to unseat Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden

Three Democratic candidates are campaigning to be on the August 13, 2024, primary ballot, and one will move on to the November election against Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden. State Representative Katrina Shankland, non-profit director Rebecca Cooke, and healthcare worker Eric Wilson recently joined UpNorthNews Radio host Pat Kreitlow to talk about the issues impacting residents in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. The district covers much of the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin, including La Crosse and Eau Claire.   

Eric Wilson is from Eau Claire and works in healthcare and real estate. 

While on UpNorthNews Radio, Wilson discussed the importance of multiple perspectives. He says he is not a politician, but instead believes he can bring his hands-on experience in healthcare and housing to solve what he describes as the core issues for many families. Wilson is the fifth generation in the Eau Claire area and says taking care of yourself, your neighbor, and your community is what is most important. 

You can listen to Wilson’s entire interview here starting at approximately 9:00:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UpDyNYQjNvPSoUBJZ6Zlp

Katrina Shankland is from Stevens Point and serves as a Representative in the State Assembly. 

Shankland tells UpNorthNews Radio, that she is spending time meeting residents who call the 3rd District home. She says the most discussed issues are child care, water quality, social security, and Medicare. She calls herself a proven candidate who thrives on problem-solving and says she’s been able to get things done in the State Assembly. She believes she can have that same success in Washington, D.C.

Hear Shankland’s full interview here starting at approximately 2:00: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MqNBGYjIHpA0DRv95NVLy

Rebecca Cooke is from the Eau Claire area and is the director of a non-profit. She also ran to represent District 3 in 2022. 

Cooke believes the rural district needs new representation and tells UpNorthNews Radio that one of the most important items is the passage of an effective new farm bill. She is from a dairy farm family and says because she doesn’t have a career background in politics, she can connect over a similar life experience and would use it to represent the district.   

You can listen to the interview here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mRDh6qztyL4NvIb91RSXp

The nonpartisan political analysis group, The Cook Report, indicates Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is going to be more competitive than originally projected. It had been represented by Democratic Representative Ron Kind for close to 30 years.

Two other Democrats have withdrawn their campaigns. There is one independent candidate, Rustin Provance. 

Civic Media will continue to keep you updated on the 3rd Congressional District race.