Alfonso prevails, Van Orden-Cooke rematch coming in Wisconsin races

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(The Center Square) – Michael Alfonso will take on Fred Clark to replace Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district while there will be a rematch in the 3rd Congressional after Tuesday night’s Wisconsin primary elections.

Alfonso, the 26-year-old son-in-law of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, won the primary by a wide margin with nearly 49% of the vote compared to less than 27% for veteran Kevin Hermening and less than 16% for businesswoman Jessi Ebben.

Clark, meanwhile, received 37.6% of the vote in the Democratic side compared to 31.8% for Ginger Murray and 30.3% for Chris Armstrong.

The Cook Political Report rates the Nov. 3 general election race as solidly Republican for the district, which comprises much of northeast Wisconsin.

Ebben encouraged her supporters to now support Alfonso during her Tuesday night concession.

“While tonight’s outcome was not the one we wanted, I will remain committed to defending the conservative values I campaigned on,” Ebben said in a statement. “That means working to stop the rise of socialism and defeating the Democrats running for office in Wisconsin. It’s time for conservatives to unite behind Michael Alfonso for our next representative in Congress and support Republican nominees up and down the ballot.”

The 3rd congressional race will pit incumbent Derrick Van Orden against challenger Rebecca Cooke again.

Van Orden was elected with 51.3% of the vote compared to 48.6% for Cooke in 2024.

Van Orden spent 26 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL that included five combat tours.

“Rebecca Cooke is exactly who the national Democrats wanted, an anointed candidate they know will carry water for the socialists who have taken over their party,” Van Orden said in a statement. “This election is about what kind of country we are going to leave to our children and grandchildren. It is a battle for the soul of America.”

Van Orden won uncontested while Cooke received 60.0% of the vote and Emily Berge receive 39.9% in the Democrat primary.

“As someone who grew up on her family’s Eau Claire dairy farm, she is a fierce advocate for rural communities and understands what’s needed to bring down costs and make life more affordable for her neighbors,” the Democratic National Committee said about Cooke. “In Congress, Rebecca will fight tirelessly to protect healthcare, lower gas and fertilizer prices, end Republicans’ reckless tariffs, stand up for working families, and invest in Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and manufacturers.”