Who Is Running in Wisconsin Congressional District 3rd in 2026?
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Derrick Van Orden
(Incumbent)Economy
MediumRepresentative Derrick Van Orden supports policies aimed at strengthening the economy, including tax cuts like the Working Families Tax Cuts, which he states provided significant savings for families and seniors. He advocates for investing in American manufacturing to boost supply chains and create jobs. Additionally, he calls for Congress to pass appropriations and funding bills through regular order to be fiscally responsible, rather than relying on continuing resolutions or omnibus packages.
Immigration
HighDerrick Van Orden supports federal law enforcement and President Trump's immigration enforcement tactics, including deportation efforts, citing crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants. He backs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, he introduced H.R. 4748, the Agricultural Reform Act of 2025, to create year-long visas for migrant farm workers. This is intended to prevent the collapse of the agricultural industry and maintain food independence.
Healthcare
HighRepresentative Derrick Van Orden voted to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, stating he would not let his constituents lose healthcare access or face premium hikes. While he supported this temporary measure to address an immediate crisis, his long-term goal remains repealing and replacing the ACA to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, lower costs, and expand competition. His campaign website advocates for the repeal of the ACA.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Derrick Van Orden |
|---|---|
| Economy | Representative Derrick Van Orden supports policies aimed at strengthening the economy, including tax cuts like the Working Families Tax Cuts, which he states provided significant savings for families and seniors. He advocates for investing in American manufacturing to boost supply chains and create jobs. Additionally, he calls for Congress to pass appropriations and funding bills through regular order to be fiscally responsible, rather than relying on continuing resolutions or omnibus packages. Medium |
| Immigration | Derrick Van Orden supports federal law enforcement and President Trump's immigration enforcement tactics, including deportation efforts, citing crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants. He backs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, he introduced H.R. 4748, the Agricultural Reform Act of 2025, to create year-long visas for migrant farm workers. This is intended to prevent the collapse of the agricultural industry and maintain food independence. High |
| Healthcare | Representative Derrick Van Orden voted to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, stating he would not let his constituents lose healthcare access or face premium hikes. While he supported this temporary measure to address an immediate crisis, his long-term goal remains repealing and replacing the ACA to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, lower costs, and expand competition. His campaign website advocates for the repeal of the ACA. High |
| Climate & Energy | Derrick Van Orden voted against multiple climate-related measures, including blocking funding for national monuments, environmental justice, and limiting federal agencies' climate crisis response in 2023. He also voted against preventing climate emissions reporting and rolling back the methane polluter fee in 2025. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) gave him a 6% score in 2025 and a 9% lifetime score, with Wisconsin Conservation Voters also scoring him 6% in 2025. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Derrick Van Orden has stated he is "100% pro-life" and believes that life begins at conception. He voted against the Women's Health Protection Act and supported anti-choice legislation. He has also expressed support for a 15-week abortion ban, stating his intent to "save the lives of as many unborn children as possible." High |
| Foreign Policy | Derrick Van Orden supports a strong national defense, as evidenced by his vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670). He also announced achieving major victories within the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act. As a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Special Operations Subcommittee, he engages with international security issues, such as the lawful detention and capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Medium |
| Education | Derrick Van Orden emphasizes restoring freedoms and getting children back to school, believing data shows minimal risks and that children deserve proper education. He sponsored and voted for the Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act (H.R. 980) to enable more individuals with bachelor's degrees to provide education counseling to veterans. He also supported the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 7148), which allocates funding for education departments and programs. High |
| Gun Policy | Derrick Van Orden opposes gun safety legislation. He received the top possible rating in 2020 from the National Rifle Association and accepted a $4,950 campaign donation from its PAC in 2022, also touting the group’s endorsement. Low |
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