On February 26, Vice President Vance of the United States delivered a speech in the 3rd Congressional District of Wisconsin, urging support for the Republican Party and the re-election bid of Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden.
Vance visited “Pointe Precision,” a machinery manufacturing plant in Plover, Wisconsin in the 3rd Congressional District. The factory produces aircraft and medical parts. Van Orden, the incumbent Congressman from the district, is seeking re-election. However, Democrats are targeting the seat and intensifying efforts in the district, making the competition fierce.
In his speech, Vance stated, “I knew I had to come here today, so I did some research beforehand. 165 outstanding Wisconsin employees are producing high-quality American products with generous wages. This is a place that rewards dignified work, a place that makes America and the entire community wealthier, so you should be proud of yourselves.”
Vance’s speech addressed the economy and its impact on American workers. He mentioned that under the previous Democratic administration, the average after-tax income of Americans decreased by $3000; whereas, under the leadership of Trump and the Republican Party, in just one year, the average take-home income of Americans increased by $1700.
Vance also urged voters to support Van Orden, citing his advocacy for tax cuts and consideration for the working class. Vance argued against supporting the Democratic Party, criticizing their policies that allegedly weakened national security and led to a decrease in people’s income by raising taxes.
Van Orden is a retired member of the Navy SEALs, the Navy’s special operations force that operates on sea, air, and land. After serving for 26 years, he first assumed the role of congressman in 2022.
Vance’s visit is part of White House efforts to garner support in crucial swing districts. Although Van Orden was successfully re-elected in 2024, his margin of victory was less than three percentage points. The Democratic candidate at the time was Rebecca Cooke, who has announced her candidacy for the next congressional term.
Cooke is a small business owner and a leader of a non-profit organization. She was born and raised on a dairy farm in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, coming from a family with a history of farming. Cooke was appointed by Governor Tony Evers to serve on the board of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s primary economic development organization with over 600 regional and local partners.
The 3rd Congressional District of Wisconsin is a swing district, with Democrats indicating an increase in their efforts in the area.